Posted on 02/18/2009 12:42:06 AM PST by americanophile
Reporting from Sacramento -- As California's government continued its grinding downshift toward insolvency, efforts to close the state's nearly $42-billion budget gap hit a new snag late Tuesday as Republicans in the state Senate ousted their leader.
Around 11 p.m., a group of GOP senators, unhappy with the higher taxes that Senate leader Dave Cogdill of Modesto agreed to as part of a deal with the governor and Democrats, voted to replace him in a private caucus meeting in Cogdill's office. Shortly before midnight, it was still unclear who would replace him. Cogdill's ouster could be a major setback to budget negotiations. Cogdill was a lead negotiator on the budget package and had committed to voting for it. If he were removed from his leadership post, a new Senate minority leader would likely try to renegotiate the deal, which lawmakers spent three months forging.
Meanwhile, the Senate remained deadlocked after hours of debate, still without the final Republican vote required to achieve the two-thirds majority for approval of more than $14 billion in new taxes.
The frenetic day had begun with legislators carting sleeping bags, pillows and suitcases to work. Sen. Ron Calderon (D-Montebello) brought a bottle of cologne. Republican Sen. Sam Aanestad, an oral surgeon from Grass Valley, passed out toothbrushes. Cots were ordered from the state Office of Emergency Services....
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
looks like our guys are holding tough. Thanks for the great updating, calcowgirl - very much appreciated!
I just want it to DIE!
We really need to get on the phones and start writing to these newspapers.
The SacBee puts out a scathing editorial, every hour, about those obstructionist Republicans that are standing in the way of solving the crisis.
I’ve left a couple comments under the article, as have lots of others, but they still don’t quite get it.
A leading Dem operative posted the same kind of tripe on FlashReport in response to the ousting of Cogdill. “Congratulations. California is officially a banana republic. The GOP circular firing squad continues to have ample ammunition to put the ambitions of 15 right-wingers over the interests of 37 million Californians.” and “Actually, it’s goodnight California Republican Party.”
You’re welcome!
Calif. Republicans Oust Leader Amid Budget Talks
fox news | 2/19/2009 | ap
Posted on 02/18/2009 3:21:00 AM PST by tobyhill
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2188171/posts
G.O.P. Shakeup Could Derail Budget Deal in California
Associated Press | February 18, 2009
Posted on 02/18/2009 7:00:04 AM PST by reaganaut1
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2188284/posts
California senate Republicans oust leader as budget impasse continues (Sen. Hollingsworth)
Guardian UK | 021809 | Dan Glaister
Posted on 02/18/2009 10:54:35 AM PST by Fred
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2188473/posts
California Republicans oust Senate leader, dig in
Hot Air | February 18, 2009 | Ed Morrissey
Posted on 02/18/2009 7:40:54 PM PST by Ernest_at_the_Beach
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2188841/posts
California Senate Republicans Oust Leader Over Budget (Impressive)
http://news.google.com | 2-18-2009 | By William Selway and Michael B. Marois
Posted on 02/18/2009 8:08:28 PM PST by Maelstorm
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2188859/posts
I found out that a 2/3 vote is required to pass the california budget even if it doesn’t have tax hikes. Been the case since 1962.
Good search.
I must have been thinking of my state, NV. 50%+1 for regular budget, 2/3 if taxes are increased.
In that case, all the CA Dems have to do is take the $12B of tax increase out of the budget, find $12B in cuts and they can pass the budget.
yitbos
“Doncha love these pubbies? LOL “
A conservative needs to jump into the gubernatorial primary. The RINO vote is split 3 ways.
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