Mr. Cortopassi said he was only trying to protect the state from greedy politicians and business interests he referred to as porkers.

Those opposing his measure are politicians and “porkers — and I don’t say that pejoratively” to hogs, which he’s raised, Cortopassi said.

The celebrated floating porker appeared late in the show, the words “Divided We Fall” visible on its side and large Xs over its eyes.