Showdown looms with governor on budget

Niki Kelly, The Journal Gazette

nkelly@jg.net

INDIANAPOLIS - A battle between the power of the legislative branch and the bully pulpit of the governor's office highlights the final days of the 2009 legislative session.

The budget brawl is one of three key issues lawmakers must tackle before adjourning Wednesday at midnight. The two other issues are an unemployment fund fix and a capital improvement bailout.

In the past, session scuffles have largely been partisan - with the Republican Senate and Democratic House at odds. In his four years, Gov. Mitch Daniels has vetoed only a handful of smaller bills.

But now it's the legislative branch versus the executive branch, with the state budget hanging in the balance.