Pithed Off

Vermont state Sen. Peter Galbraith, D-Windham, spent hours questioning a fellow senator about a campaign finance bill. Finally, Senate Majority Leader Philip Baruth, D-Chittenden, had enough. He rose and cited Mason's Manual rule that no one can speak tediously and said, "I believe the senator has spoken tediously." Sen. Richard Mazza, D-Grand Isle, was more blunt. "You're saying nothing," he said to Galbraith. "No one's listening. Don't you get it." Lt. Gov Phil Scott ultimately said he would not rule that Galbraith had spoken tediously. To do so, he said, would set a precedent.