Story Updates

A few updates on stories I've commented on this week. . . .

Gay marriage appears to be in trouble in New Jersey. State Senate President Richard Codey (D-Essex) postponed a vote in the legislature's upper house when it became apparent that the measure did not have enough votes to pass. He sent it to the Assembly, "I understand their desire to make sure this receives the thorough attention it deserves and therefore I have agreed to postpone tomorrow's vote until further notice."

In other words, don't hold your breath. The Assembly will consider it January 4, the first Monday of the new year. A new Assembly takes office on January 12.

Meanwhile, in Washington, Republicans object to an provision of the financial regulatory reform bill that passed the House yesterday. A $150 billion fund would be set up to pay for the dissolution of companies deemed too big to run the risk of failure, which the G.O.P. equated to a perpetual bailout fund. Despite eagerness among Senate Democrats to pass a financial reform bill, key differences between Senate and House proposals may make it difficult to get a bill to President Obama's desk any time soon.

Democracy inaction. :-O