Do governors get what they want?: An alternative examination of the line-item veto

This paper reconsiders the impact of the governor's line-item veto on the state budget process. The governor's ability to obtain his or her most desired budget measures item veto effectiveness, rather than a smaller expenditure budget. The percentage difference between the final state budget and the governor's original budget request over fiscal years 1983–1989 is examined. The empirical results indicate that under certain political situations the line-item veto authority enhances the governor's ability to obtain his or her desired budget.We would like to thank the Editors for helpful comments and suggestions.