SOURCE: www.fosters.com

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) _ A civil unions bill moving quickly through the Statehouse hit a jam Friday and some are questioning whether Gov. John Lynch, who has been silent on the issue, is behind it.

A Senate spokeswoman announced Friday a vote on civil unions expected Wednesday had been put off and didn't know when it would be scheduled.

When asked if Lynch had intervened, his spokesman avoided answering.

Senate president Sylvia Larsen said the decision was hers. "I didn't want the senators to be rushed when it came time to be voting on civil unions" she said.

But Larsen _ like other senators reached Friday by The Associated Press _ had already made up her mind on civil unions. Larsen said she supports them. She said she doesn't know where Lynch stands.

"He has not given me a firm decision," she said. "I know he's aware of the issues."

Spokesman Colin Manning didn't answer directly when asked Friday whether Lynch was involved in the delay.

"The governor is certain the Senate will give this bill thoughtful consideration," he said.

Civil unions flew through committee hearings and a House vote and was on a fast track for a Senate vote Wednesday where even opponents expect it to pass.

Republican and Democratic senators alike said the delay took them by surprise and were skeptical of the reason _ to give them more time to make up their minds.

"I don't know. I guarantee you it is not me. I am fully for that bill," said Sen. Peter Burling, a Democrat.

"I got news for you. It's not me," said Sen. Jack Barnes, a Republican who opposes civil unions.

"I thought it was on the docket for Wednesday. I don't have any questions," said Sen. Jacalyn Cilley, a Democrat.

"I honestly don't need more time," said Sen. Lou D'Allesandro, a Manchester Democrat.

House Speaker Terie Norelli also wasn't aware a delay was coming. "I had not heard anything," she said.

The announcement prompted speculation that Lynch had stepped in. Lynch is against same-sex marriage but has repeatedly avoided taking a public stand on civil unions, although he supports expanding health benefits to same-sex partners of state workers. His spokesman's response on civil unions hasn't wavered: Lynch is undecided and discussing the issue with lawmakers.

"Every person elected to office ought to give their opinion when they're asked it. Either you're for it or against it" said Sen. Bob Clegg, who voted against civil unions as a Judiciary Committee member but believes it will pass a full Senate vote.

Clegg didn't know about the delay until a reporter told him.

"Why would we fast-track the bill and then hold it? It has to be for purely political reasons," he said.

"The only factor left is the governor."

Civil unions was not one of the issues Lynch raised in his inaugural or budget addresses. He has focused more on getting a constitutional amendment passed on school funding, raising the high school drop out age, getting more children on health insurance and raising the minimum wage.

The constitutional amendment passed its first hurdle in the Senate on Thursday. The minimum wage bill, which had its first House hearing in February, hasn't reached the Senate floor yet. The dropout bill _ which passed the Senate on March 15 _ has a hearing in the House on Wednesday. In contrast, the civil unions bill, which has drawn hundreds of people to public hearings, would have jumped from a House vote on April 4 to a Senate vote on April 18. Lynch could sign the bill, let it become law without his signature or veto it.

"I don't think this is his top priority so I'm thinking there are other bills he wants to see moved through the House," said Rep. Mo Baxley, and Andover Democrat who serves as executive director of the New Hampshire Freedom to Marry Coalition.

Baxley believes the coalition can count on 14 votes to pass the bill in the 24-member Senate.

"I think the Democrats are going to hold strong and I think we may have Republican support," she said. "I don't think this is as nearly a controversial a bill as some people are trying to make it."

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Associated Press Writer Norma Love contributed to this report.