Plunkett announces write-in campaign for State Senate

Photo Courtesy - Bennington Banner

Today Rob Plunkett of Bennington announced his write-in campaign to be a Democratic Party candidate to represent Bennington County in the State Senate. Plunkett, 48, has served as a prosecutor in the State’s Attorney’s office for the past 17 years.  

Said Plunkett, “Earlier this year I was happy to hear that we would have Dick Sears and Seth Bongartz in the race for State Senate. I have nothing but admiration and respect for both, so I simply had no thought of running. Dick’s passing was a blow to us all. After a great deal of thought, I realized that someone needs to step up, not to fill Dick’s shoes, but to do the best they can to continue that work.” Plunkett continued, “I have been a public servant for most of my career, and Dick is a role model for public service, as are Brian Campion and Seth Bongratz. And now I am ready to also do my part in the Senate. Although I am new to state politics, my career has provided me with a unique perspective into some of our biggest challenges – poverty, mental illness, drug addiction, homelessness. And I know that experience will serve us well in the Legislature.”

Senator Brian Campion, who announced in May that he would not be running for re-election after serving two terms in the House and five in the Senate, called Plunkett’s entry into the race, “Very good news for all residents of the Bennington Senate District (Bennington County, plus Londonderry and Wilmington).” I can not think of a better team than Bongartz-Plunkett to continue the important work of this District, and I look forward to supporting them in any way I can.”

Representative Timothy Corcoran said, “Rob is a thoughtful person who cares about the community he grew up in. I really like the idea of Seth from the northern end of the county and Rob from the southern end together having a thorough understanding of the whole county.”

Plunkett also said, “I plan to run a vigorous campaign, meeting people from across the county, listening to their concerns, and sharing my vision for the future. I have a lot to learn, but I am committed to working for the people I represent, just like Dick Sears and Brian Campion before me.”