SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Gov. Gary Herbert’s Friday night veto of a bill that would have allowed him to pack about two dozen of boards and commissions with Republicans was a welcome surprise to Democrats.
Democratic Rep. Brian King said Monday that he’s surprised but appreciative of the veto because there’s already too much one-party control in the deep-red state.
Republican Rep. Norm Thurston, the bill sponsor, says the GOP governor originally asked for the legislation because limits on how many board members can be from one political party make it tough to fill boards.
Herbert says he vetoed the bill because he agreed keep partisan limits on boards seen as more political, like the liquor board.
Thurston says he’s disappointed in the veto. Legislative leaders have not yet started polling lawmakers to gauge interest in overriding the veto.