Republican lawmakers are calling on the Governor to promise not to use the so-called "Frankenstein Veto" on the state budget.
Forty-nine GOP lawmakers have signed a letter to the Governor, requesting he not use his partial veto power on the final state budget sent to his desk. State Senator Shelia Harsdorf (R-River Falls), who helped draft the letter, says such a promise could help their caucus negotiate the budget in good faith. She says it would help to know that what's sent to the Governor will be what he signs.
Governor Jim Doyle isn't making any promises though, and says lawmakers should stop wasting time. The Governor says lawmakers should get to work and finish the budget. Doyle says he'll use his veto power to protect the taxpayers of the state.
The letter essentially asks the governor to voluntarily comply with a stalled constitutional amendment, which would limit the veto power of the office. Senate Democrats have held up passage of the amendment so far this session.
