The proposed constitutional amendment would put an end to the so-called Frankenstein veto power, which governors have used to rewrite legislation. State Representative Mark Gundrum (R-New Berlin), a primary supporter of the effort, says the partial veto authority has been abused by members of both parties. But Assembly Minority Leader Jim Kreuser (D-Kenosha) says the issue is only being brought up because the current governor is a Democrat.
If approved by the Senate, the measure could go to voters as early as April. An amendment offered by State Representative Spencer Black (D-Madison) would have delayed a public vote until 2010 to match it up with the next election for governor. His proposal was tabled by Assembly Republicans.
Assembly Speaker Mike Huebsch (R-West Salem) says the issue is one lawmakers keep revisiting, and it should go to the public. The Assembly approved the measure on a 71-25 vote. It now heads to the Senate, which has no plans to vote on it at this time.