Vermont governor Gov. Jim Douglas has vetoed a same-sex marriage bill approved by the state Legislature, saying it does not provide any more rights than under civil unions. The Senate will convene tomorrow morning to vote to override the veto. The override is expected to pass in the Senate, but the House is still an open question– six representatives are needed to reach the critical number needed to overturn Douglas’ veto
Trans lesbian Vermont blogger Bridget “Sei” McBride thinks it’s an achievable goal:
“While the final vote is six short of the critical hundred needed to override Governor Jim Douglas’ promised veto, that may not be an unobtainable goal. Speaker Smith is expected to vote for the override as he is a supporter of same-sex marriage. Two of the absent Representatives are also in favor of the bill, and two Democrats who have stated their opposition to the bill itself have announced that they will vote to override the veto. Their stated grounds are that Governor Douglas showed little respect for the legislative process when he made the decision to announce publically [sic] his intention to veto the bill even before it was put up for consideration.”
tavdy79
One important question:
To override the veto, are 100 votes actually needed, or is it simply a 2/3 supermajority of those present? Because if it is the latter then the number of no-voting representatives who don’t turn up becomes significant as well.
Bruno
My understanding is it’s 2/3 of those present, but obviously 100 would seal it no matter what the number.
Donsnyc
ASSHOLE!
The Gay Numbers
4 since 2 are already k nown to have said they would override
DonG90806
I just checked the Vermont Constitution, and it takes 2/3 of those present to override the governor’s veto. There are 150 members of the House, so if all are present it will take 100 votes; however, if 2 members are absent, then 99 votes will override the veto. Let’s hope 2 Republicans don’t show up to vote.
Michael W.
What the hell? Isn’t Jim Douglas a Democrat?
Aaron J.
@Michael W.: No.
Gayalltheway
I hope Jim Douglass gets salmonella! Don’t ask me why salmonella, I just think that he should get it. Oh and I heard it can be real nasty!
Sir Winston Thriller
It takes 2/3rds of those “present”. They must be in the Chamber and on the floor when the voting occurs. No voting over the phone or by proxy.
Jim Douglas is a (ahem) “moderate” Republican. And an asshole.
Dal
This Link will get you to the email addresses of all the Vermont Representative’s http://www.leg.state.vt.us/legdir/e-mail2.cfm?Body=H
Erick
Crossing fingers until tomorrow.
rogue dandelion
ugh… what a fucking prick.
go override!
Geoff
Perhaps he would have no objection to having his own marriage nullified in exchange for a civil union? After all….they’re the same thing….right?
Ben
The good thing about Vermont is that governors there only serve two-year terms. So if the veto is upheld, Vermonters can vote his sorry ass out in just 19 months’ time.
Japhy’s saying there are 97-98 definite votes for an override.
Jason in WV
I hope the override works against that asshole governor.
And believe me, I know about asshole governors. I’m from WV.