Sherman : Do you have any rituals or mantras that have helped to get you through difficult times ?
Gray : I know this sounds a lot like Rocky and maybe a little too competitive , but lately I have been just dropping down to the ground and doing a quick set of ten push-ups . After Law School , I had the incredible honor of serving as a Law Clerk for Judge Peter W . Hall of the U . S . Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit . He is a native Vermonter from Shaftsbury , and he has been a mentor to me and so many . He is a model of integrity . When I was clerking for him , I would be reading old cases and trying to help draft opinions . I would get antsy at my desk . My fellow law clerks and I got into this routine of taking quick breaks where we would get law books and use them as weights , we would do wall sits , we would do planks , and we would do push-ups . When the going gets tough , I still love just doing something to distract the mind for a little bit . I think the key to mental fitness is physical fitness . It can be as simple as just trying to get out , catch the sunset , and breathe some fresh air .
Sherman : What advice would you offer to someone who is looking to begin a political campaign ?
Gray : I ’ m still doing quite a bit of reflecting being away from the heat of the campaign . I daily return back to the question , “ Why did I decide to run ?” There can be a lot of distractions , at times , and it ’ s important to get back to what spurred you to want to act . Being able to answer that question , allows you to stay grounded , to be true to yourself . It ’ s all about knowing why you ’ re doing what you ’ re doing , being able to come back to that , and letting it be the center of your work every single day . I still know what I ’ m doing and why I ’ m doing it – and I ’ ll keep doing it until we ’ ve solved the problems that we ’ ve set out to solve .
I ’ ll also say sometimes , even here in Vermont , political campaigns can get really nasty , especially when outside groups and money come into the state . I promised myself and the campaign team we would run a positive , issue-focused campaign supported by Vermonters , no matter what . And we did .
Sherman : For those who may not know , what is the primary role of the Lieutenant Governor ?
Gray : It ’ s defined by the Constitution primarily . The Lieutenant Governor serves as the President of the Vermont Senate . The Lieutenant Governor presides over the Senate , much like a judge presides over a courtroom , is the tie-breaking vote in case a majority isn ’ t reached in the Senate , and helps appoint Senate Committees . As Lieutenant Governor , I must also be prepared to step-in should the Governor be unable to fulfill his duties . The Lieutenant Governor is technically part of the Executive Branch but holds an Office in the State House and works most closely with the Vermont Senate .
Sherman : What are some of your favorite places to go to and things to do in Vermont ?
Gray : I think I join just about everyone in looking forward to the end of COVID . I really love getting on the road , getting out around the state , and meeting Vermonters in their communities . Every time I am able to get out and walk a downtown or tour a new business , I just fall in love with our state all over again . In my free time , I ’ m always chasing a new hike or a vista or swimming hole . Lake Willoughby is a place I really love . I also enjoy a good brewery stop and Vermont IPA - or joining friends for a concert and enjoying any number of incredible musicians . I also just love getting home to the farm and back to my roots . This place , Vermont , is such a treasure .
To listen to the extended audio interview with Molly Gray , go to VTVOICES at OldMillRoadRecording . com
Molly sworn in by Judge Peter W . Hall of the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit .
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