April 9, 2002
Legislative leaders say it's not politics, it's a policy dispute.
But for the first time in 11 years, they're calling themselves back in session to override a Governor's veto.
The governor vetoed nine bills.
Right now, the lawmakers have the votes to override only one.
But that's enough to bring them back for a very unusual session of the legislature.
News Specialist John Hollenhorst reports from Capitol Hill.
Lawmakers voted for it. The governor vetoed it. Now lawmakers have been polled, and two-thirds of them said, on one bill at least, they want the last word.
Rep. Marty Stephens/House Speaker: "THE VETO OVER-RIDE SESSION WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY THE 24TH OF APRIL AT 1:30 AM."
Natalie Gochnour/Governor's Spokeswoman: "IT'S NEVER FUN WHEN YOU HAVE YOUR LEGISLATION VETOED. BUT THE GOVERNOR THOUGHT LONG AND HARD ABOUT EACH VETO AND THOUGHT IT WAS THE RIGHT DECISION."
What bill are they talking about? It's quite possible you've never heard of it.
It rewrites the rules and changes the personnel on the Judicial Conduct Commission, which passes judgement on judges.
The vetoed bill would insure that voters get some information about bad judges, and that the Suepreme Court gets all of it.
REP. MARTY STEPHENS/HOUSE SPEAKER: "THEY OUGHTTA HAVE THE WHOLE FILE. THEY OUGHT TO BE ABLE TO HAVE THE WHOLE INFORMATION. AND THE JUDICIAL CONDUCT COMMISSION WAS DELIBERATELY HOLDING BACK PART OF THE DATA, TO PROTECT JUDGES."
NATALIE GOCHNOUR/GOVERNOR'S SPOKESWOMAN: "IN THE BILL, IT REQUIRED THEM, 'THEY SHALL INVESTIGATE', 'THEY SHALL DO' CERTAIN THINGS. AND IN THE GOVERNOR'S MIND THAT JUST TIPPED THE BALANCE BETWEEN TOO MUCH POLTICAL PRESSURE ON THE JUDICIARY."
OK, a real policy dispute. But couldn't it wait until the next regular session? Is something political afoot?
REP. MARTY STEPHENS/HOUSE SPEAKER: "IF SOMEONE'S GOING TO TRY TO FRAME THIS AS THE CONSERVATIVES OUT TO GET LEAVITT, OR SOMETHING, THAT'S COMPLETELY INAPPROPRIATE."
But once in session, the lawmakers could take up eight other bills the governor vetoed, including the politically-charged bill that's widely considered revenge against Legacy Highway opponents.
Lawmakers expect heavy lobbying on the other vetos. But the House Speaker says it's likely only the judicial bill will be formally considered.
REP. MARTY STEPHENS/HOUSE SPEAKER: "NOW I SAY 'LIKELY', BECAUSE THINGS COULD CHANGE."
NATALIE GOCHNOUR/GOVERNOR'S SPOKESWOMAN: "YOU KNOW, IT'S GOING TO BE AN INTERESTING FEW DAYS."
If the session remains simple and uncomplicated, the lawmakers will re-convene only briefly. The House Speaker says it can done during the lunch hour and won't cost taxpayers an extra nickle.
