'Rock Chalk!' Oklahoma, Kansas rivalry reaches both governors over license plate bill

Maybe it was losing the Panasonic battery plant to Kansas. Or the thrashing his Oklahoma State Cowboys took at the hands of the University of Kansas Jayhawks in football last year.

But Gov. Kevin Stitt couldn’t bring himself to sign a bill this week that would create a special license plate in Oklahoma for people who wanted to show their support for the University of Kansas.

Even though that license plate was just one of six special plates authorized — including ones for U.S. Army Rangers, the 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (the Thunderbirds!) and Clinton High School's Red Tornadoes — Stitt vetoed the legislation, adding to the pile of vetoed bills lawmakers might not have time to address this week, the last of the regular session.

“Unfortunately, I do not have the authority to line-item veto this bill,” Stitt, an OSU grad, said in his veto message.

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“If I did. I would have signed this bill and struck only the language authorizing the design and issuance of an official plate supporting another state's public university. If a person wishes to demonstrate support for an out-of-state college or university, I encourage that person to purchase a license plate frame online or at his or her sporting goods store of choice.

“No offense to our sister state to the north, but the State of Oklahoma doesn't need to be in the PR business for the University of Kansas.”

'Our doors are always open' to KU grads in Oklahoma, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly say

Asked for a comment, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said, “With the University of Kansas holding the record for the longest streak of NCAA tournament appearances of all time, it’s no secret that Jayhawks across the nation love to show off their school spirit.

“To all the KU graduates living in Oklahoma and elsewhere, just know our doors are always open if you want to move back to the Sunflower State. Rock Chalk!”

Oklahoma state Rep. Jacob Rosecrants, a Norman Democrat and University of Oklahoma grad, was the lawmaker behind the KU plate. In a tweet after the governor’s veto, Rosecrants said he included the KU plate after a request by a constituent.

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The lawmaker pointed out that Oklahomans can already purchase a special license plate of Kansas State University.

“Sir Vetoes A lot strikes again!” Rosecrants said in his tweet.

There is also a special license plate available for the Oklahoma National Guard that features the Thunderbirds’ logo, though the one proposed would be specific to the legendary unit.

The other two plates authorized under the bill are for the Hallett Motor Racing Circuit, located near Tulsa; and for Ally’s House, in Moore, which helps the families of children with cancer.

The bill passed 94-2 in the House and 33-12 in the Senate. Overriding the veto, should the Legislature attempt to do so this week, would require approval by two-thirds of each house.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Kansas, Oklahoma governors go to bat over KU license plate bill