Governor Morrisey’s veto of SB 158 was a firm stand in defense of constitutional rights. The bill would have restricted members of the state Board of Education from participating in the political process — from running for office to simply attending political conventions. Such overreach strikes at the core of a fundamental American value: the right of every citizen to participate in their democracy.
Conservatives know that government should not be in the business of limiting political activity unless there’s a direct and compelling interest. SB 158 failed that test. Public service and civic engagement should not be mutually exclusive, and attempting to limit someone’s political aspirations or activity while serving on a board is a dangerous precedent that smacks of speech suppression.
By vetoing this bill, Governor Morrisey reaffirmed that protecting individual liberty is not just a campaign slogan — it’s a governing principle. Conservatives should stand behind him for defending the rights of citizens, even those in public service, to fully engage in the political process without unconstitutional limitations.
