MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) – Burlington Rep. John Tracy is going to run for lieutenant governor.

The decision by Tracy sets up a Democratic primary contest between Tracy and state Sen. Matt Dunne of Hartland.

Anthony Pollina, a Progressive who unsuccessfully challenged Republican Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie in 2004, has also said he will likely run again.

Tracy said he had hoped to keep his candidacy under wraps until the end of the legislative session, but word of his plans leaked out.

“I will be running, but I have work to do right now,” Tracy said.

Tracy is the chairman of the House Health Committee, which is working to design a health care reform package. “I don’t want anything negative to impact on health care reform.”

Tracy, 54, has been in Legislature for nine years.

He doesn’t plan to campaign until the end of the legislative session.

“I think I can continue to work and help lead on health care reform on a statewide level,” he said.

“I’ve known John a long time,” said Dunne, 36.

Dunne spent four terms in the Vermont House of Representatives. He is now in his second term in the Senate.

Democratic Party officials aren’t expected to take sides in a Dunne/Tracy primary contest.

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Information from: The Burlington Free Press, http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com

AP-ES-02-05-06 1301EST