A special legislative session to bridge at least part of a $1.2 billion budget gap could be called before Christmas, the next Senate president told a civic group.

Senate President-elect Bob Burns, a Peoria Republican, told members of the Valley Citizens League that he was hopeful budget discussions with Democratic Gov. Janet Napolitano would be productive and speculated that a deal could be reached and a special session could be called for the second week of December.

Earlier this month, legislative leaders met with Napolitano to discuss the worsening state budget, which has slid deep into deficit as the state and national economies have ground to a halt.

Burns said a Republican counter-proposal would include some items included in the governor's plan.

"I am hopeful we can get an agreement out of that," he said.

House Minority Leader David Lujan said the chances "are high" there will be a special session in December. He estimated it may solve $500 million of the shortfall

Burns said a piecemeal solution would be the best approach.

"I think we have to take in it pieces or else it will be hard for people to accept," he said.