Governor Jim Douglas, R-Vermont, says he will not seek another term as governor of Vermont.

Douglas is in the first year of his fourth term as governor. And he has been in state government for most of his adult life– elected to statewide office 14 times and in office 25 of the last 27 years.

At a press conference this morning, the governor announced he will not run for governor in 2010. And in fact, he said he will not seek any elected office in 2010.

It’s a decision that throws Campaign 2010 wide open and has broad political ramifications for the state in the year ahead.

Douglas is generally seen as a moderate Republican but he has been involved in tense battles with the Democratically-controlled legislature in recent years. The partisan divide culminated this past legislative session with lawmakers over-riding two Douglas vetoes, including a veto of the state budget.

With Democrats and their allies holding a super-majority, the 2010 session could be just as difficult for the Republican leadership.

The question now is who will be Vermont’s next governor? There is not an obvious answer on the Republican side. Lt. Governor Brian Dubie is the only other Republican in statewide office. But he’s been a reluctant candidate over the years and might not want the job.

In a statement released immediately after the governor’s announcement, Lt. Gov. Dubie said, “I will contemplate my options. Right now, I will focus on doing my job. I will discuss my plans when the time is right.”

So who else is there? Names that have been floated this morning include former state senator John Bloomer, former house speaker Walt Freed, current state senator Randy Brock and Jay Peak owner Bill Stenger.

Several Democrats are already in the race or interested. Among them; Secretary of State Deb Markowitz, State Senator Doug Racine, and State Senator Susan Bartlett.