Vermont Legislature To Pick Governor After No Candidate Wins Majority

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) — Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin has called it a night without declaring victory in his bid to defeat Republican challenger Scott Milne and secure a third two-year term.

With 90 percent of precincts reporting shortly before midnight, Shumlin held a narrow lead over Milne, with 46.7 percent to 45.2 percent for the Republican.

The failure of either to win 50 percent in a race that included five other candidates would leave the final decision to the Legislature when it returns in January.

Milne called the race a referendum on Shumlin’s four years as governor and said it meant the Democrat needs to change direction.

Shumlin cited widespread frustrated among voters not fully sharing in the economic recovery.

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