I just received a press release regarding Chittenden County State’s Attorney TJ Donovan and his possible run in 2010 for Lt. Governor.

At this point in my life, my focus will be on my work as State’s Attorney and most importantly on my family as my wife and I welcome our first child in the near future.  

See the entire press release after the fold.

As a disclaimer, I must admit that I worked hard for TJ in his run for Chittenden County State’s Attorney in 2006.  As a member of the Chittenden County State’s Attorney’s Task Force, which is a coalition of restorative justice, domestic violence and mental health professionals, I have witnessed first hand Donovan’s willingness to listen and work hard for creative solutions for all stakeholders as we face tough economic times and dwindling resources.

As economies falter, domestic violence and both petty crime and hard crime increase.  Chittenden County has seen some of these changes.  While pandering to voters and claiming to be hard on crime, the Douglas Administration has drastically cut resources for victims of crime, domestic violence, and the state’s attorneys needed to prosecute these crimes.  Donovan is working with all stakeholders to find creative solutions to meeting an increased workload with totally inadequate resources.

In making this choice at a time when there is an open seat, I believe that Donovan shows he is committed first to his family and upcoming role as a new father and second to making sure that the hard work of justice moves forward in Chittenden County and throughout Vermont.

I believe that Donovan is a politician slated for higher office.  Personally, I find it impressive that he is focused on his family and the work still undone as State’s Attorney rather than simply the glory of statewide politics.

November 10, 2009                

THOMAS J. DONOVAN WILL NOT SEEK DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

Chittenden County State’s Attorney T.J. Donovan announced today that he will not be a candidate for the Office of Lieutenant Governor.  Donovan, 35, of South Burlington, said “As I have traveled across our state over the past few months I have been humbled by the many Vermonters that have enthusiastically encouraged me to run for Lieutenant Governor.  However, after much thought, I have concluded that it is not the right time for me to run.  I care deeply about the future of Vermont and remain committed to serving the public.  At this point in my life, my focus will be on my work as State’s Attorney and most importantly on my family as my wife and I welcome our first child in the near future.”    

Donovan was first elected as Chittenden County State’s Attorney in 2006.