4 govs ask judge to consider health overhaul views

SEATTLE

The Democratic governors of Washington, Colorado, Michigan and Pennsylvania are asking a federal judge to consider their views in deciding whether to uphold President Barack Obama's health care overhaul.

The four states are among 20 challenging the constitutionality of the sweeping legislation. The governors disagree with decisions by Republican attorneys general in their states to join the lawsuit.

The governors -- Chris Gregoire of Washington, Edward Rendell of Pennsylvania, Bill Ritter Jr. of Colorado and Jennifer Granholm of Michigan -- filed a motion in federal court in Florida on Wednesday seeking permission to file a friend-of-the-court brief in the case.

They say they could provide the court with evidence that the health care overhaul falls within the federal government's authority to regulate interstate commerce.