As a supporter of Tristan Toleno for state representative in District 3, I was taken aback when I heard that Gov. Peter Shumlin had endorsed Kate O'Connor in the race.
There is an unwritten rule that governors and other officeholders and party officials do not intervene in local races, and the governor acknowledged he was breaking that rule.
The WTSA radio tape of the endorsement indicates that the reason for the governor's endorsement was a personal one: she has been a helpful supporter and aide.
As I reflected further, however, I realized that the endorsement reinforced my support of Tristan and provided a good illustration of a major difference between Tristan and Kate, a difference that is crucial to this race.