Dictionary definition of “Vanna White veto”

Vanna White veto

n. a form of line-item veto that permits an elected official to strike single letters in legislation. Subjects: Wisconsin, English, Politics

Editorial Note: This term is specific to Wisconsin, where this type of veto—also called a pick-a-letter veto and similar to the digit veto, which allowed the striking of single numerals—is no longer permitted by state law. Etymological Note: Vanna White is hostess for the game show “Wheel of Fortune,” where she is responsible for revealing letters on a large board at the direction of contestants.

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Citations: 1990 Craig Gilbert Milwaukee Journal (Wisc.) (Mar. 25) “Vote to decide on use of partial veto” p. 1: The power is the governor’s partial veto, which includes the unusual ability to take a bill and change its meaning by vetoing the individual letters of words. The result can be the creation of whole new words and a whole new law. Democrats have dubbed the practice the “Vanna White veto.” 2005 David Callender Capital Times (Madison, Wisc.) (Aug. 6) “Doyle detects new love: the veto”: The governor also used to be able to strike individual letters to create new words—the so-called “Vanna White veto,” named after the letter-turner on “Wheel of Fortune”—but those powers were reined in under a 1990 constitutional amendment.

Posted 8 Aug 05 | Permalink | Tell a Friend