Vermont’s political landscape was turned upside down today after the unexpected re-entry of a familiar figure in state politics.

“I’m back!” said former Governor Howard Dean, announcing a surprise bid to retake the corner office. He vowed to “take the fight directly to Ol’ Parrot Beak,” and “wage a vigorous campaign for a return to the office that I, in all due modesty, held with such distinction.”

He paused for effect, and added: “I believe that in times like these, what Vermont needs is not the same old face, but a new old face!

“And besides, if you’re going to have a Democratic Governor who plays to the center, talks tough to the unions, placates the rich, and triangulates as much as he governs, why not have the original instead of an imitation?”

Dean closed his announcement by saying “Now we’re going to Rutland! We’re going to Bennington and Brattleboro, and Springfield and White River and Saint Johnsbury and Saint Albans! And we’re going to Manchester and Stowe and Killington! And then we’re going to Montpelier to take back the Statehouse! Yeeeeaaaaaaaauugh!”

After the jump: the political world reacts to the shocking news.

When reached for comment, Vermont GOP chair Jack Lindley cackled loudly into the phone. “Good one! You’re kiddin’, right?” Upon being assured that Dean’s announcement was authentic, he said, “Ha! I bet the Governor is soiling his shorts!”

Later, Governor Shumlin held a brief news conference in his Statehouse office, Secretary of Administration Jeb Spaulding at his side. “That no-good rotten son of a –” Spaulding grabbed his elbow and whispered urgently in his ear. “Er, ahem, that is, I mean, we welcome the return of such a distinguished — elder — statesman after such…a…long, long, looong absence. My staff will be happy to brief him on the issues of current, modern-day concern to Vermonters — you know, the stuff that’s happened since he left office ten years ago. And if he’s forgotten how to get to Montpelier, we’ll be glad to refresh his memory.”

He then turned abruptly and stalked off, mistakenly exiting into his private bathroom. After a brief pause, he stormed back through the room and left, waving off all questions from reporters.

“This could really shake up the governor’s race,” said Eric Davis, Vermont’s Pundit Laureate. “Then again, maybe not. It’s too soon to tell for sure. Things might really get interesting, though. Which reminds me, I’m available for lectures and public appearances. You can get in touch through my website, vtpunditlaureate.com.”