Wisconsin voters are being urged to think carefully, before voting on a constitutional amendment Tuesday limiting the Governor's partial veto authority.
The measure eliminates the governor's so-called "Frankenstein Veto" power, where words and phrases in bills can be deleted to make new sentences. Governor Jim Doyle says it can be a valuable tool that can prevent the Legislature from passing laws that are too extreme.
The power has been in place for several years, but Governor Doyle's creative use of the veto pen lead lawmakers to push for the constitutional amendment. Most notable are changes made by Doyle in state budget bills to raise levy limits and raid the state Transportation Fund.
Despite its critics, the Governor says the power has helped protect the state. For example, he points to $400 million in public education cuts that he was able to restore using the partial veto power.
Doyle opposes the amendment, but admits he hasn't felt the need to campaign against it.
The question will be on ballots statewide April 1st.
