Watch the Video---> Constitutionality of Health Care Reform Bill
South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster talked about the review of state attorneys general into the constitutionality of health care legislation being considered by Congress. Mr. McMaster and 13 state attorneys general recently expressed constitutional concerns over an agreement reached by Senate negotiators to include a provision in the Senate bill, known as the "Cornhusker Kickback," that would have the federal government cover the costs of Medicaid expansion in Nebraska. The attorney generals have requested its removal in order to prevent litigation by the states.

See the letter here: http://www.scag.gov/newsroom/pdf/2009/healthCareLetter.pdf

SC AG HENRY MCMASTER:
The leading contender to replace SC Gov. Mark Sanford (R) is in DC today for events with conservative activists and reporters, but he will make the most news when he speaks at the National Press Club. McMaster has spearheaded the effort by about a dozen state AGs to bring suit over health care legislation, and his appearance in DC will get national headlines.

The suit, which would focus on a deal with Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) GOPers are derisively calling the Cornhusker Kickback, has become a platform for AGs around the country who have their eyes on higher office. Aside from McMaster, MI AG Mike Cox (R), PA AG Tom Corbett (R) and FL AG Bill McCollum (R) are all running for GOV. WA AG Rob McKenna (R), TX AG Greg Abbott (R), CO AG John Suthers (R), AL AG Troy King (R), ND AG Wayne Stenehjem (R), ID AG Lawrence Wasden and UT AG Mark Shurtleff (R) have all been mentioned as future candidates for higher office.

In SC, the threatened legal action means McMaster has an issue that will keep him in the news for fighting against health care, a big advantage in a GOP primary. Rep. Gresham Barrett (R) will get to vote against the final bill, but nothing can compete with the news value of proactive action against the legislation. McMaster's GOP rivals are going to have to work very hard to catch the AG before the primary.