The temperature was in the teens, the wind speed at a number higher than that when a group of legislators and gay/lesbian activists gathered in front of Montpelier City Hall this afternoon to put out the call for gay marriage legislation.
Sen. John Campbell, D-Windsor, following directions of the event's organizers, shed his overcoat in the interests of looking more professional. Given how cold I was with a coat, hat and gloves on, I can only imagine he and the others who dressed likewise have still not thawed hours later.
Patricularly for Campbell, who is the lead sponsor of the gay marriage legislation in the Senate, returning to the Statehouse might not have made him any warmer. Though Campbell is Senate majority leader, it doesn't sound like he's going to have a lot of say in seeing his legislation reach the floor.
Senate President Pro Tempore Peter Shumlin said it's not happening. Too much else going on to let such an emotionally draining issue take over the session.
It's a cold shoulder Campbell will feel down to his toes.
- Terri Hallenbeck
