By AP
LANSING, MI –
Michigan attorney general and Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Cox says he's joining a Florida suit challenging the legality of the health care legislation that Congress passed.
Cox says Congress's requirement for people to buy health insurance "raises serious constitutional concerns."
Democratic critics call such lawsuits frivolous.
The health care legislation backed by President Barack Obama passed the Democratic-led U.S. House on Sunday night after earlier winning Senate approval.
Florida Republican attorney general and gubernatorial candidate Bill McCollum said Friday he would challenge the law.
Meanwhile, a petition drive to put a measure on the November ballot that could ask Michigan voters whether they want to exempt the state from the federal health care overhaul has been launched.
Rochester Hills Republican state Rep. Tom McMillin was joined by Tea Party groups and others in kicking off the effort Monday at an event in Royal Oak.
The drive to amend Michigan's constitution is patterned after other states' efforts. McMillin says organizers will seek the needed 381,000 valid signatures by July 5. Organizers hope to begin gathering signatures as soon as this week.
Last week, a Republican-backed resolution to give Michigan voters the final say failed to advance in the state Senate.