OLYMPIA -- Democrats in the state Legislature are considering a budget maneuver to block Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna's involvement in a lawsuit challenging the health-care bill signed by President Obama Tuesday.

Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown, D-Spokane, confirmed that Democrats are investigating the legality of a budget proviso which would prohibit McKenna's office from spending public money on the lawsuit.

"We are looking at that," Brown said. "We're researching it right now, but there is no decision yet."

Brown also sent a letter to McKenna urging him to reconsider his position, which she called "far outside the mainstream interests" of the state.

I'm told that similar discussions are underway in the state House. Both chambers are controlled by large Democratic majorities.

McKenna's involvement in the lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Florida by 13 state attorneys general, has infuriated Democrats who say he doesn't represent the state in the lawsuit.

On Tuesday afternoon, the state Democratic Party filed a public-disclosure request for all documents related to McKenna's decision to participate in the lawsuit.

Republicans say McKenna is justified in challenging the constitutionality of the law's requirement that everybody purchase health insurance.

For his part, McKenna has posted a FAQ on his web site to answer questions about the lawsuit.