Vermont sees election backlash over gay 'civil unions'

WILLIAMSTOWN, Vermont (CNN) -- Even before Tuesday's primary election in Vermont, the torn-down campaign signs were evidence of a political backlash. But it remains to be seen whether voters will oust state Rep. Marion Milne and other lawmakers who helped create the closest thing in America to gay marriage.

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In perhaps a dozen districts across the state, legislators who last spring voted in favor of "civil unions" face challengers in Tuesday's primary. Now law, the "civil unions" confer marriage-style benefits on gay and lesbian couples.

Most of those being challenged are the few Republicans, such as Milne, who voted for the bill, which passed by just 11 votes.

In many of the contested primary races, civil unions are the only issue. In fact, it's what prompted Sylvia Kennedy to run against Milne, a friend, who ran unopposed last time.