Projo Politics Blog

The pen was already on the table next to Governor Carcieri’s veto message when he sat down.

It was not a special “veto pen,” according to the governor’s staff. The executive office has several plastic A.T. Cross pens that bear his name in gold lettering along the side and a small anchor near the top.

The A.T. Cross Co., in case you’re wondering, is “a major manufacturer of fine writing instruments, timepieces, and personal accessories” based in Lincoln.

The pen briefly disappeared after the signing ceremony before turning up in House Minority Leader Robert A. Watson’s pocket.

“It was offered, and I appreciate the gesture,” Watson said of the pen. “I’m going to bring it to the House floor today and see if I can veto all the bills on the calendar. I don’t know what it’s worth, but I’ll certainly declare it on my ethics form.”

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