OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The Washington Supreme Court says Attorney General Rob McKenna has the authority to challenge President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul.
Justices said unanimously in a ruling Thursday that City of Seattle cannot force McKenna to withdraw from litigation against the law. The justices wrote in their decision that they were not expressing an opinion on the wisdom of challenging the law.
The justices left open the possibility that the governor could intervene to stop McKenna’s action. They say they will rule separately on that issue if it comes to them.
McKenna believes the health care law is unconstitutional because of a requirement that individuals without health insurance must purchase private insurance or face a fine. McKenna is a Republican now running for governor.
