I opined earlier today that the Dems didn't have the votes to pass the tax increase. That is the only reason I can come up with why the vote hasn't taken place. We were finally recessed about 8:00 p.m. until 9:30...only to be told at 9:30 that we were recessed until 11:00 p.m...

It seems the governor is in a tight spot and the longer this takes the tighter it gets. She as good as guaranteed that a deal was in the works for tonight. The media was even convinced. There were more news satellite trucks on the curb than since the last State of the State address. But they have all gone home. It looks like the governor cried "wolf" one too many times.

She put almost all the cards on the table tonight. It will be hard to save face if she can't pull this off. Judging by the mail I am getting, most people are ready for a "shutdown", especially now that the Gov. promised essential services would be provided.

It is interesting how many emails I have received from people who want to see a shutdown just to see if it can be endured. Most of the folks I've heard from believe we can prove just how unimportant many government services really are.

I know the Governor is convinced that she wins in a shutdown situation. But I think if it happens, the longer it lasts, the more the pressure will be on her as the state CEO to fix it.