Bit of a buzz in a tense Statehouse this morning. It's about last night's calls seemingly across the state urging people to call their House members and urge them to support Gov. Jim Douglas in opposing the same-sex marriage bill coming up for its first vote today.

The automated calls specifically named the legislator that the recipients should phone. The calls came throughout the evening, according to lawmakers. One came to my house, too.

House Judiciary Chairman William Lippert, D-Hinesburg, said he got a call to call himself. He also received calls and e-mails from constituents who were responding to the robo phone message. Three urged him to stick with the governor's position and vote against the bill that would legalize civil marriage between two men or two women.

Lippert said the vast majority of the calls and e-mails he received urged him to stick with his position supporting the marriage equality legislation.

"I kind of think it may have achieved some backfire effect," Lippert said.

The automated voice said the call was on behalf of the National Organization for Marriage -- apparently based outside Vermont.

At the Statehouse today, the other side in this debate arrived early and now occupy most every public seat in the House chamber. Folks sporting yellow stickers that say from "legal rights to equal rights" are reading, doing crosswords and patiently waiting for a debate that won't start for many hours.

Outside one entrance to the Statehouse, a bundle of red and heart-shaped balloons greeted lawmakers as they arrived. Inside, security is high, with extra officials and a canine unit.

-- Nancy Remsen

Labels: douglas, gay marriage, National Organization for Marriage, same-sex marriage, Vermont, vermont legislature