By this time next week the "Fighting 49" will have fought their fight at the Statehouse. That's the 49-member House Republican caucus.

The battle, of course, is over the energy bill that Gov. Jim Douglas vetoed. What's interesting is that the Vermont Republican Party sees a fundrasing opportunity in this fight and the companion battle to block an override of the Douglas veto of a campaign finance bill.

"Help fortify the fighting 49" urges the Vermont Republican Party on its website. How? Donate. There are "sustain the vetoes receptions" you can attend or you can donate directly. Here's the message: "If you believe we need more fiscally responsible Republicans in Montpelier and want to send a message of encouragement to our "fighting 49" now is the time to make a contribution to the Vermont GOP."

Over at the Vermont Democratic Party's website, a big red button at the top of the home page urges visitors to click for more information on the campaign finance bill -- which the party wants passed despite the veto. The energy bill didn't get a button. No direct appeal for money by the Vermont Democratic Party to help the "-------" 93, who will be entering the July 11th battle short a few members. Despite their greater numbers, Democrats face an uphill fight to find enough allies to achieve a two-third's majority to override vetoes.

By the way, I couldn't come up with a good adjective for the 93-member Democratic caucus. I flipped through a thesaurus in search of an alliterative word but nothing fit -- since I was looking for something neutral. I'm sure, though, that some of you will have suggestions.

-- Nancy Remsen