PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona Senate’s front doors were briefly locked Wednesday morning at the order of a majority staff official who indicated the move was intended to prevent Gov. Jan Brewer’s office from delivering vetoes of legislation.
Lobbyists trying to leave through those doors at about 7 a.m. after watching part of a floor session were told to exit through a rear entrance.
Explaining the locked doors, Senate General Counsel Greg Jernigan said “we prefer not to get veto letters this morning.”
At the time, lawmakers were trying to end their annual session and faced the possibility that Gov. Jan Brewer could veto parts of a budget package approved overnight and sent to here Wednesday morning.
The doors were unlocked a short time later. Senate Chief of Staff Wendy Baldo expressed irritation at the situation but declined to comment.
Copyright 2009 The Associated Press.
