OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington’s Supreme Court is hearing arguments on two lawsuits that question the scope of Attorney General Rob McKenna’s authority.
The court first heard arguments Thursday in a case over whether McKenna had legal authority to sign onto a multistate challenge to the national health care reform law.
Laura Wishik, a Seattle assistant city attorney, says McKenna exceeded his authority when he made the state a plaintiff in the case. State Solicitor General Maureen Hart, representing McKenna, says the attorney general has that authority under state law.
The court also is to hear a case raised by the state’s public lands commissioner on whether McKenna can refuse to continue suing when a state agency wants him to.
