One Christmas wish Gregoire won't get

Eleven days into the special legislative session, Gov. Chris Gregoire on Thursday acknowledged what many lawmakers have been saying for weeks: The Legislature won't pass a new state budget by the end of the month.

Gregoire had been insistent that the Legislature pass a budget that closed a $2 billion shortfall, and send voters a tax package, within the 30-day special session that started Nov. 28.

The governor said lawmakers have convinced her that that won't happen. The Legislature has gotten "wrapped around the axle," she said.