CA Legislature Locked Down as Arms Are Twisted

In a followup to this previous post, the Dem leadership in Sacramento has locked down the Senate and Assembly as they try to twist enough Republican arms to pass their tax increase-heavy budget:

SACRAMENTO (AP) - One vote shy of a budget deal, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Sunday pressured reluctant Republicans in the state Legislature to pass a complex plan to close the state's $42 billion deficit.

The head of the state Assembly locked the chamber down, forcing members to remain as the measure stalled in the Senate.

Many California Republicans are unwilling to raise taxes to deal with the state's historic deficit, but at least three GOP voters were needed in each house for the two-thirds majority required to pass the budget.

"My guess is everybody's arm is getting twisted," said Sen. Dave Cox, a Republican who had been the among Democrats' best hopes for a deal. "My answer is no, and I'm not looking for additional information. I've made my decision."

Cox said he received a call from Schwarzenegger, who remained in the Capitol trying to secure the necessary votes.

Stay tough, guys. Don't be girlie men.