A whispered riddle is sweeping the halls of the Capitol: In an election year, Democrats and Republicans like to emphasize their differences, but this year, they'll probably have to cooperate to solve Arizona's massive budget problems.

Two electoral changes implemented by Republicans this year have attracted opposition and litigation from Democrats who argued the laws violate the state Constitution to advance partisan agendas. In July, Gov. Jan Brewer signed S1123 into law. The legislation, proposed by Tucson Sen. Jonathan Paton, banned local governments from including partisan affiliations for candidates on the ballot.

The Senate has adjourned, which can’t be a good sign for those who were fond of the most recent budget proposal. It sounds like there will be lawmakers missing on Thursday and Friday – lawmakers who were expected to vote yes ...

Gov. Jan Brewer said she is disappointed in the pace of the Legislature’s special session and urged lawmakers to move swiftly in approving a full budget.

The budget deal that legislative and Gov. Jan Brewer reached earlier remains a tough sell, as the Senate adjourned on June 27 without advancing the agreement.