Wisconsin Democrats and Republicans have each taken turns experimenting in Dr. Frankenstein's laboratory. Both Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle and former long-time Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson have cobbled together disconnected budgetary words and phrases into unnatural law. Without fail, the veto — opportunistically nurtured by each party — escapes and terrorizes their political interests when the opposing party moves into the governor's mansion. Then, there is little else the mad scientists can do but chase the veto in a desperate bid to eradicate it. Meanwhile, the laboratory comes back to life as those who were once haunted by the veto succumb to temptation and embrace its power. The monster is indeed alive, and state Democrats are keeping it that way.
If you're unfamiliar with state law, the so-called "Frankenstein" veto allows the governor to edit appropriation bills sent to his desk by grossly discombobulating the Legislature's language. It is a perversion of the traditional line-item veto privilege afforded to some governors, and entails the ability to combine sentences and even incorporate page numbers into the text of bills. With this authority, a governor can essentially create new spending items and negate the intentions of a bill's authors.
Despite sponsoring legislation that would have eliminated this provision during Mr. Thompson's tenure, Senate President Fred Risser, D-Madison, and Senate Majority Leader Judy Robson, D-Beloit, are dragging their feet in the Doyle era. Party leadership on both sides of the aisle claim to detest the Frankenstein veto, but for all of their rhetoric during Republican administrations, discernible action has been lacking from the Democrats.
While Mr. Risser claims listening sessions with the public and further debate are necessary, a clear consensus has already emerged: The Frankenstein veto is an undue infringement on the Legislature's right to craft law. No governor should be allowed this unchecked power. The current budget crisis is not an excuse for sitting on common sense legislation that would pass overwhelmingly if a Senate-wide vote was scheduled.
Regardless of what you think about Mr. Doyle's use of the veto thus far, the potential for abuse is virtually unlimited. While the conventional line-item veto is often used as an executive tool to limit spending, the Frankenstein veto presents an opportunity to add unnecessary pork to legislation and pander to special interests. Wisconsin is demanding an end to the opportunistic partisanship that keeps Frankenstein alive, and the time has come for Ms. Robson and Mr. Risser to act.
That Republicans didn’t eliminate it when they controlled the governor's office is no excuse for Democrats to ignore the ideals of principled government. What's wrong is wrong, regardless of who wields the veto pen.
