Along with the Free Press’s report that a long-rumored Secretary of State candidacy for former Chittenden Senator Jim Condos is about to become a reality, GMD has learned that Rep. Steve Howard of Rutland is about to have two challengers in the Democratic Primary for Lieutenant Governor.

Former Vermont CARES Chief Tim Palmer, who has been discussing a run for a while, is having a kick-off party January 30 in Burlington’s New North End, hosted by Michael Gilman, Amy Livingston, and Jane Van Buren.

And word is that this Monday, Representative Chris Bray (D-Bridport, New Haven, Weybridge) will also announce that he is a candidate for Lite Guv. He’s been active in “farm-to-plate” programs, which will play well in rural areas.

Vermont Democrats should be able to look forward to a couple more substantive primaries.