Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons asks for ruling on health care bill

(AP) - Gov. Jim Gibbons is asking Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto for a ruling on the constitutionality of the U.S. Senate's health care bill.

Gibbons reaffirmed his opposition to the legislation crafted by Nevada Sen. Harry Reid, claiming it will cost Nevadans more than $613 million and raise state and federal taxes.

The Republican governor says Masto has previously refused to offer any assistance or opinions unless the legislation gains final passage.

The Democratic-controlled Senate passed health care legislation on Dec. 24, clearing the way for compromise talks with the House on a bill to reduce the ranks of the uninsured and rein in the insurance industry.

Masto has an unlisted home phone number, and a message left at her office was not immediately returned Saturday.