Vermont governor to veto marriage equality bill

Vermont Governor Jim Douglas says he will veto a bill legalizing same-sex marriage because of the need to focus on the economy.

I'm not kidding.

"The urgency of our state's economic and budgetary challenges demands the full focus of every member and every committee of this Legislature. Ensuring that the federal recovery money is spent wisely, that the state budget is balanced and responsible, and that we do all we can to help our employers compete and create jobs is my top priority," Gov. Douglas said.

However, Douglas conceded that lawmakers would likely override his veto. "I'm sure that legislative leaders would not have advanced this bill if they did not have the votes to override a veto. I will accept the outcome of their vote either way."

Okay, governor, let's unwind this.

The bill passed with a veto-proof margin. Your veto, therefore, is pure symbolism.

If focusing on the economy is such an urgent priority, why are you wasting the legislature's time by forcing lawmakers to go through the motions of overturning your veto?

Hmm? I'm sorry, I didn't catch that.

What's that you say? You're full of crap? Well, at least we can agree on that.