Idaho governor asks court to get involved in veto lawsuit

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter on Wednesday asked the Idaho Supreme Court for permission to get involved in a lawsuit challenging how much time a governor has to veto legislation.

According to the petition, Otter's attorneys argue that the Republican governor should be allowed to intervene because it was Otter's veto that sparked the lawsuit and he wants to defend that decision in court. Currently, the lawsuit only names Secretary of State Lawerence Denney as a respondent.

"The potential implications of this decision if a writ is granted could change tax policy in Idaho for the foreseeable future and reshape executive authority in relation to the legislative process," Otter's attorneys wrote. "Otter should be allowed to participate given the magnitude of this case and the impact the decision will have on the chief executive's authority."

In 1978, the state's highest court ruled a governor has 10 days to veto or approve a bill starting when it lands on his desk. However, some of the Statehouse's most conservative members disagree.

Read more: http://www.idahostatejournal.com/blackfoot_journal/idaho-governor-asks-court-to-get-involved-in-veto-lawsuit/article_6cee65d5-55bf-5466-9024-c0bb0a72f799.html