File:AbleMaldonadoDaveCox2-18-2009.jpg

Summary
California State Senator Able Maldonado (Republican for Santa Maria) sits with California State Senator Dave Cox (Republican for Fair Oaks) discussing the budget stalemate at the state Capitol, Sacramento, California, 18 February, 2009.

Both men were approached by Democratic legislators about breaking ranks with their party to pass the state's budget after 85 days.

AP Photo by Rich Pedroncelli, found at: DayLife.com, All contents © copyright 1999-2009 Getty Images, Inc. All rights reserved.