Vermont Adjutant General Candidate Withdraws

Enlarge image

Credit U.S. Air Force

One of three candidates vying to become the next adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard has withdrawn from the race.

Former Army Guard Brigadier Gen. Jonathan Farnham says an anonymous letter being circulated has become a significant distraction to the Legislature and Guard.

Air Guard Brigadier General Steven Cray, of Essex Junction and Colonel Darryl Ducharme are still in the race.

The Burlington Free Press reports that Farnham wrote to legislative leaders on Monday saying the untrue allegations in the letter raised concerns about how he and other Guard officers handled a personnel-related complaint. Because of Guard privacy rules he can't discuss the concerns.

The Legislature will choose the next adjutant general on Feb. 21 to succeed Major General Thomas Drew, who is not seeking re-election.

Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.