Pat McDonald announced last week that she will step down as chair of the Vermont Republican Party at the end of this month. She will continue to assist the VT GOP in communications and outreach, she said.

“Make no mistake,” McDonald wrote in her announcement. “The ground is fertile for big changes in Vermont in 2012. The people of Ver- mont have grown weary of politics as usual, and they have little pa- tience left for politicians who make promises they can’t keep.

“This is a time that the Vermont Republican Party needs to expand and prepare ourselves for the elec- tions of 2012. It is also a time for me to dial back somewhat on my responsibilities with the party, as my husband and I are dealing with some personal health concerns that will keep me out of the office more than I would like.

McDonald said that the party’s executive committee will hold the election for chair in mid-February. In the interim, Vice Chair Paul Car- roccio will serve as chair of the Ver- mont GOP.