BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho led the nation last year in passing a law to sue the federal government over the healthcare overhaul.
Now, its Republican-dominated Legislature plans to use an 18th century doctrine to declare President Barack Obama's signature bill null and void.
Lawmakers in six other states — Maine, Montana, Oregon, Nebraska, Texas and Wyoming — are also considering "nullification" bills. They contend states, not the U.S. Supreme Court, are the ultimate arbiters when Congress and the president have run amok.
A 1958 U.S. Supreme Court decision reaffirmed federal laws "shall be the supreme law of the land." But Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter is promoting nullification, too, telling Idaho residents on Jan. 10 he's pursing all options — "including nullification."
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