OLYMPIA -- Day 25 of the special session is starting pretty slowly, with pro forma sessions in both chambers. No official word on whether the House of Representatives has enough votes for a tax package worked out Wednesday among Gov. Chris Gregoire, Senate Majority Leader and House Speaker Frank Chopp.

The clock could become a factor by tomorrow, because any proposal that goes to the planned conference committee -- a process that allows a vote on the floors with no amendments -- must be public and "sit on the bar" for 24 hours.

It must also be printed up, so people know what the are voting on, which could take a day or two.

Special session ends at midnight Tuesday. If they run over...well, it's complicated. Gregoire would have to call them back, which she's said she won't do, or they'd have to agree to call themselves back.

And agreement is something that has been in short supply for the last month.

---

---