[img_assist|nid=870|title=Vermont state House Speaker Gaye Symington|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=198|height=250]More than 400 excited Vermont Democratic Party activists gathered Friday night to hear U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd speak at the party's Curtis Leadership Awards. While the speech by the Connecticut Democrat and one-time presidential hopeful was the main attraction, more importantly was Gaye Symington. The state House speaker, who is weighing a gubernatorial run, took on a more prominent role at the events.

It is clear the game of musical chairs has begun. As a potential Symington run against Republican Gov. Jim Douglas seems more imminent, change also seems to be in the air for the House leadership.

Also in attendance was U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, fresh off his hit performance on Comedy Central's "Colbert Report."