OLYMPIA -- Democratic leaders trying to figure out a way to raise taxes that will pass both  houses of the Legislature are still looking for votes.

That's the word after a session in Gov. Chris Gregoire's office broke up, and Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown and House Speaker Frank Chopp left with no announcement of a "go home" deal.

House Democratic Caucus just sent word there'd be nothing further tonight, and pro forma sessions in the House and Senate Friday with both chambers back at full strength at 2 p.m. Saturday with a chance for actual votes on...something.

(They have some non-budget bills they could take up, to get back into the swing of legislating, if they feel out of practice.)

Currently under discussion is a tax increase on many things that you can buy to drink: bottled water, soda, beer from the big national brewing companies (microbrews and wine are spared at this point); tax on candy and gum, an extra dollar a pack on cigarettes and increases in other tobacco taxes, increases in the B&O tax for much of the service industry...it's an impressive menu with a variety of entrees and no real desserts.

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