Gov. Gregoire (D-WA) FURIOUS at Repub AG for Joining the Anti-HCR Suit

[liberalpragmatist]

Wow, this is pretty epic. I don't recall that many episodes of an elected official upbraiding a fellow state official so publicly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5Ng5lYw3kE&feature=player_embedded#

[Cha]

1. Thanks..I'll check it out in a minute.

[Joe the Revelator]

2. She's awesome

[Webster Green]

11. She is awesome!

Tells it like it is, seems very on top of things, and well informed. :thumbsup:

[NYC Liberal]

3. This is a must-watch! Love it!

K&R

[rufus dog]

4. Wow - Can she be sent down to Sacramento for awhile?

We will return her early next year.

[aaaaaa5a]

5. I wish she were my governor! NT

[Cha]

6. The Governor makes excellent

points! Who does mckenna represent?

[oxymoron]

7. That's my Gov!

I'm sure glad she's on our side.

[KILL THE WISE ONE]

9. can she fire him ? or cut off funding

[quiller4]

16. No. He is an elected official. The legislature could restrict funding but that

could really backfire. McKenna was the Republicans best hope to run for governor in 2012. Now he has really handicapped himself by alienating all the independents who supported him for AG. His grandstanding helps Democrats in the state. The Seattle Times, PI and The News Tribune have all run "What Was He Thinking?" stories in the last two days.

[gateley]

8. Thanks -- for one of the first times I'm really proud of my Gov -- she pisses me off a lot. nt

[depakid]

10. Very interesting separation of powers issues

Is the governor really the AG's client?

Who does he represent, and how much independent discretion does he have?

[onenote]

17. per the Washington State Constitution

The AG is "the legal adviser of the state officers, and shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by law."

By statute, the legislature has assigned various duties to the AG, including

General powers and duties.

The attorney general shall:

(1) Appear for and represent the state before the supreme court or the court of appeals in all cases in which the state is interested;

(2) Institute and prosecute all actions and proceedings for, or for the use of the state, which may be necessary in the execution of the duties of any state officer;

....
(5) Consult with and advise the governor, members of the legislature, and other state officers, and when requested, give written opinions upon all constitutional or legal questions relating to the duties of such officers;

....
(7) Give written opinions, when requested by either branch of the legislature, or any committee thereof, upon constitutional or legal questions;

The wording of these assignments of duties is murky enough to leave the question you raise about the duties and role of the AG somewhat unclear. Arguably, none of the enumerated duties covers his bringing the suit.

[boppers]

12. I like her.

Nice fire.

[eridani]

13. I think the best part of this is that McKenna has just shot down his gubernatorial bid n/t

[Orsino]

14. Furious at him for acting Republican?

Well, okay.

[Cha]

15. She's relating how this Bill will help people in her State..

excellent points.

Also this republicon AG of Kentucky is not going to pull the political stunt..

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=433x244174

[grantcart]

18. A Republican, Sam Reed oversaw the recount and turned away

Republican demands to throw out ballots and certified her election by a few hundred votes.