Newly elected Sen. Peter Shumlin of Windsor County won the vote among Senate Democrats this afternoon to be their nominee for Senate president pro tempore, the leader who essentially decides what legislation lives and dies.

The vote appeared nearly tied between Shumlin and Sen. John Campbell of Windsor County going into the room, but what actually made it onto the bits of paper is a secret, except that Shumlin won.

Just as Peter Welch made a return to the pro tem's office after a breather from politics, so too will Shumlin. The new "Peter principle." This Peter said he has no immediate eyes on higher office, though the other Peter probably would have said the same.

Shumlin, in his pitch to caucus members, appeared ready to do battle with Republican Gov. Jim Douglas, whom he said has given "lip service" to agriculture, spent none of his political capital on the environment and needed pushing on health-care reform.

Sen. Dick Sears of Bennington County commented on his way out that in some ways it was easier to run the Judiciary Committee when there was a political split among members.

- Terri Hallenbeck