"Before a legislative committee Thursday, Attorney General Michael Delaney said he opposes House Bill 89 mandating that he join a lawsuit, brought by Florida and several other states, challenging the federal health care act. The suit claims the federal law is unconstitutional because it requires people to buy health insurance.
Delaney told the House Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs Committee that the bill violates the separation of powers doctrine in the New Hampshire Constitution and the long-standing tradition of an independent attorney general.
But bill sponsor Rep. Kenneth Weyler, R-Kingston, said joining one of the suits "seems like such an obvious thing. We should not allow this. But the attitude of the (attorney general) was less than stellar (with him) saying 'I don't have to do what you say.'""...
"Delaney was appointed by Gov. John Lynch, a Democrat."
"Committee chairman Rep. Alfred Baldasaro, R-Londonderry, also was upset with Delaney. He said lawmakers pass laws all the time that the attorney general disagrees with, but he has to do what's in the best interest of the people."
"This is a budgetary issue that will cost the state of New Hampshire millions of dollars for years to come. The attorney general has to look out for the people of New Hampshire; that's his job. If he can't do it, we will get somebody who can," Baldasaro said."
