It's Republican vs. Republican in an Idaho political showdown: House GOP leaders say they'll adjourn for the session on Wednesday without passing GOP Gov. Butch Otter's transportation plan, likely forcing the GOP-dominated Senate to force the House back into session against its will. "We can adjourn for three days, and then they would have to call us back," said House Majority Caucus Chairman Ken Roberts, R-Donnelly.

The governor's office had no immediate comment; press secretary Jon Hanian referred back to the veto letter Otter sent lawmakers last week in which he wrote, "I am not going to let this session end until this legitimate and proper role of government is addressed in the manner it deserves." Rep. Bill Killen, D-Boise, the House minority caucus chairman, said, "We certainly want to get the job done. I'm not sure leaving on Wednesday is a good idea, since my sense is the Senate will call us back. I think there's some work we could do. ... I do think it's a little bit of a power struggle, that's my sense - some pretty big egos involved. I just hope the Senate hangs in there."

Otter met with both House and Senate GOP leaders at day's end today, and sent a clear message that he wants transportation funding increased - to the tune of $75 to $80 million a year - before this year's legislative session ends. "The governor restated his commitment to a solution to the transportation funding issue this session," said Senate Assistant Majority Leader Joe Stegner, R-Lewiston. You can read my full story here at spokesman.com.