Palin wants meeting on capital projects

JUNEAU - Gov. Sarah Palin asked lawmakers to come to her office in groups of three to justify each of the once-vetoed capital projects added to the supplemental budget.

The request came in a letter the day after lawmakers passed the budget over her objections.

Palin said her office will set up the meetings with the senator and two representatives of each Senate district.

She plans to ask why state funds should be used and what time constraints exist that the projects cannot be funded in the capital budget instead. She will use the information in deciding whether to veto them again, she said.

Sen. Bert Stedman, R-Ketchikan, said he won't be showing up "hat in hand" but would be pleased to talk with the governor anytime about the importance of his district's priorities.