GOP walks out on state budget talks

California is now 50 days into its fiscal year with no budget, and political leaders appear as bitterly divided as ever over how to solve the state's serious fiscal woes.Mike Zapler in the Mercury News.

A meeting Tuesday afternoon between Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and four legislative leaders ended with the Republican governor in open conflict with members of his own party, possibly a new low for Schwarzenegger's strained relations with the GOP.

The Republican Assembly leader stormed out of the meeting in Schwarzenegger's office early, all but declaring it a waste of time. Later, in a rare impromptu appearance before reporters, the governor implored lawmakers to remain in Sacramento until they complete a budget.