VANCOUVER, Wash. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire has asserted in a federal court brief that Attorney General Rob McKenna’s participation in a lawsuit challenging the federal health care overhaul does not represent Washington’s position.
The Columbian reports that McKenna, a Republican, is one of 26 state attorneys general who are challenging the constitutionality of the individual mandate in the 2010 Affordable Care Act — the requirement that all Americans enroll in a health insurance plan or pay a penalty.
But on Monday, Gregoire filed the brief, which informs the federal judge ruling on the lawsuit that Washington state is already moving forward with implementing some provision of the new law.
Gregoire also tells U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson that McKenna does not represent her, or any other state official.
