'Not Anti-Fluff'

On the subject of marshmallow spread, it turns out, Massachusetts state Sen. Jarrett Barrios is as squishy as the target of his ire. You may recall that Barrios initially wanted to prohibit public school cafeterias throughout the state from serving Fluffernutter sandwiches; then he retreated to a once-a-week position. Now he says he really has no problem with Fluff:

Barrios' amendment seemed anything but silly to Democratic state Rep. Kathi-Anne Reinstein, D-Revere, whose district is near Lynn, home of Durkee-Mower Inc., the local company that has produced the marshmallow concoction for more than 80 years.

The day after Barrios announced his amendment, Reinstein fired off an e-mail announcing her own legislation designating the Fluffernutter the "official sandwich of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts."

"I believe we need to preserve the legacy of this local delicacy," Reinstein wrote in the letter to fellow lawmakers. She noted Fluff is free of artificial preservatives or colorings.

In an interview, Reinstein said she felt the need to defend the honor of Fluff, protect the rights of parents, and protect a local company.

"I'm going to fight to the death for Fluff," Reinstein said. "It's out of control. It's ridiculous that with all the things going on in the state and in the world, we're having this conversation. It's insane."

On Tuesday, an aide to Barrios said the senator is not anti-Fluff. He said Barrios plans to sign on as a co-sponsor to Reinstein's bill, although he still believes schools should ration Fluffernutters to one per week.

"He loves Fluff as much as the next legislator," said Barrios aide Colin Durrant.

[Thanks to Paul Strigler for the update.]