Gov. Brewer To AZ Republicans: Expand Medicaid Or Else

From Think Progress: 

Gov. Jan Brewer (R-AZ) has a message for her party: expand Medicaid — or else. 

The combative GOP governor is sticking by a threat she made to veto all legislation until lawmakers resolve the 2014 state budget and pass Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion. On Thursday, Brewer proved that wasn’t just talk, vetoing five bills sent to her desk in quick succession. 

“I warned that I would not sign additional measures into law until we see resolution of the two most pressing issues facing us: adoption of a fiscal 2014 state budget and plan for Medicaid,”wrote Brewer in her veto message. “It is disappointing I must demonstrate the moratorium was not an idle threat.” 

Arizona officials only have five weeks before reaching the constitutional deadline for passing a budget. Last Thursday, six Republican state senators joined a unified Democratic caucus to pass a Medicaid expansion bill — but efforts have been gummed up in the state House since then.

Governor Brewer, of finger-pointing fame, has been considered a Tea Party favourite over the years. I wonder if now, she will be considered a RINO (Republican in name only) like other Republicans who do not tow the party line to the hilt?