Lawmakers muster votes to override governor
STIMULUS: Palin makes Alaska the sole state to reject energy cost relief.

By SEAN COCKERHAM
scockerham@adn.com

Legislative leaders say they appear to have enough votes to override Gov. Sarah Palin's veto of $28.6 million in federal stimulus money for energy cost relief. Alaska is the only state to have rejected these funds, and that's not sitting well.

"I would be surprised if we didn't override her," North Pole Republican Rep. John Coghill said Thursday.

Rep. Mike Hawker, another member of the legislative leadership, said that's his count too.

"This is just one of those cases where there is such a profound difference of opinion between the legislative branch of government and the executive branch," the Anchorage Republican said. "We could have one of those rare and difficult instances where we are actually able to override a governor's veto of an appropriation item."

It's so rare and difficult because it requires a 75 percent vote of the Legislature in joint session. But there's little support among lawmakers for Palin on this, and the debate is more about whether she could trump a veto override and manage to block the money.

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Anchorage Republican Sen. Lesil McGuire said legislators should override the veto even if Palin continues to refuse to ask the federal government for the money. She said Alaskans want their representatives to stand up to Palin on this.

"We are the people responsible for carrying out their will and allowing their voices to be heard. So I think there is merit in overturning the veto and having the discussion with (Energy Secretary) Chu to see if there is still a chance."