Gay Marriage Bill Puts Focus On Lynch

Governor John Lynch known for many things, high popularity:

"You could say that John Lynch is probably the most popular governor in modern American history."

An ever-ready response to weather emergencies:

"Hundreds of people have been evacuated; 34 shelters have been set up; I activated 400 members of the national guard."

An easy way with children:

“So you’re 11, too?

“I’m 12.”

“I am, too .”

“Well, my son, I’m going to tell you, he has a tickle-spot right here.” (laughs)

And a solicitous approach, at least publically, when it comes to dealing with the legislature

“I have that style where I reach out to lawmakers, both Republicans and Democrats and get input from them as the various bills proceed.”

But when the bills proceeding are controversial, and deal with same-sex couples, the Governor has tended to play things close to the vest, with eyes apparently averted.

“I haven’t read the amendment yet and I’m really here talking about the swine flu and that’s all I’m going to focus on for now.”

-Do you have any sense when you’re going to read it?

“You know over the next several days, I’m sure.”

That was the Governor last week, a day after the senate passed its same sex marriage bill. If something about Lynch’s response seems familiar, it’s because it is. Two years ago, almost to the week, he sounded a near-identical message as house lawmakers were poised to vote through same-sex civil unions.

“I’ve not looked at the bill yet, but I will be talking with lawmakers about that issue at the appropriate time.”

-And when would that appropriate time be?

“Well, I want to get the school funding off the ground. I want to get the constitutional amendment past the Senate and then I want to work with house members to see if we can get it passed in the House.”

That school funding amendment was shot down in the house, but the Governor, did, ultimately sign civil unions into law. Given that he’s repeatedly said he sees marriage as between as man and a woman, there’s little indication he’s likely to do the same should same sex marriage reach his desk. At the same time, the governor isn’t acting like a veto is in the offing. If it reaches his desk and he does nothing, it will become law. In the meantime, Lynch can expect hard lobbying both sides of the issue, lobbying that that will probably only intensify the longer he leaves his intentions unstated.