The gavels fell Wednesday in the Vermont House and Senate marking the start of the 2015-2016 legislative term.
After a benediction and recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, the House got about its organizational business, electing Rep. Shap Smith, a Morristown Democrat, speaker for a fourth, two-year term.
The Senate also elected its leadership, with Sen. John Campbell, a Windsor County Democrat, given a third two-year term as president pro tem.
Wednesday's opening session followed a news conference at which three senators called for a constitutional amendment to revise state election laws. Legislators will choose the Governor Thursday morning.
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