NASHVILLE (AP) - The state Senate has voted 21-7 to pass a resolution urging the Tennessee attorney general to join states challenging the constitutionality of the federal health care overhaul.

The measure was sponsored by Republican Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey of Blountville, who is also running for governor.

All votes against the resolution were cast by Democrats on Monday. Three Democrats voted in favor of the measure.

Ramsey hasn't ruled out calling for an independent attorney to file a lawsuit on Tennessee's behalf if Attorney General Bob Cooper refuses to become involved.

Both of Ramsey's rivals for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam and U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp of Chattanooga, have expressed support for a lawsuit.

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Read SJR0897 at http://capitol.tn.gov

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