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'''James H. "Jim" Douglas''' (born June 21, 1951) is the former [[Governor]] of the state of [[Vermont]] and a member of the [[Republican Party]]. He is known as a fiscal conservative and a social moderate. Douglas began his political career in 1972 after getting elected to the Vermont House of Representatives, directly out of college. He went on to become [[House Majority Leader]]. In 1980, Douglas was elected Vermont Secretary of State, and went on the be reelected five times, receiving the nomination of both political parties on three occasions. In 1992, he challenged [[Democrat]] Senator [[Patrick Leahy]], but was defeated by a 54%-43% margin. Douglas was elected State Treasurer in 1994 and served until his election as Governor in 2002. He was easily re-elected in 2004, 2006, and 2008, despite Vermont being a stronghold for Democrats. Douglas is currently chairman of the [[National Governors Association]].  

'''James H. "Jim" Douglas''' (born June 21, 1951) is the former [[Governor]] of the state of [[Vermont]] and a member of the [[Republican Party]]. He is known as a fiscal conservative and a social moderate. Douglas began his political career in 1972 after getting elected to the Vermont House of Representatives, directly out of college. He went on to become [[House Majority Leader]]. In 1980, Douglas was elected Vermont Secretary of State, and went on the be reelected five times, receiving the nomination of both political parties on three occasions. In 1992, he challenged [[Democrat]] Senator [[Patrick Leahy]], but was defeated by a 54%-43% margin. Douglas was elected State Treasurer in 1994 and served until his election as Governor in 2002. He was easily re-elected in 2004, 2006, and 2008, despite Vermont being a stronghold for Democrats. Douglas is currently chairman of the [[National Governors Association]].  

Jim Douglas and the Democratic super-majority in the state legislator have frequently been at odds. Democrats had overridden Governor Douglas' veto of the state budget and overridden his veto of legislation that would allow [[same-sex marriage]]. <ref>http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=4461&MediaType=1&Category=26</ref>

Jim Douglas and the Democratic super-majority in the state legislator have frequently been at odds. Democrats had overridden Governor Douglas' veto of the state budget and overridden his veto of legislation that would allow [[same-sex marriage]].<ref>http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=4461&MediaType=1&Category=26</ref>

Douglas has announced he will not seek a fifth term as Governor in 2010. <ref>http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=11009631</ref> "After 36 years as a public servant, 28 of those years in statewide office, with what will be eight years as governor and through 15 statewide elections, I will have held center stage long enough for any leader." <ref>http://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/0809/Vermont_governor_Jim_Douglas_retiring.html</ref>

Douglas has announced he will not seek a fifth term as Governor in 2010.<ref>http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=11009631</ref> "After 36 years as a public servant, 28 of those years in statewide office, with what will be eight years as governor and through 15 statewide elections, I will have held center stage long enough for any leader." <ref>http://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/0809/Vermont_governor_Jim_Douglas_retiring.html</ref>

==External Links==

==External links==

*[http://www.governor.vermont.gov/ Official Governor of Vermont Site]

*[http://www.governor.vermont.gov/ Official Governor of Vermont Site]