The Senate coalition offers a trade Democrats will find hard to counter: GOP drops its reform bills if Democrats agree to no tax increases. If Democrats decline, they might be blamed for government shutdown.

"A previously little-known state senator from Medina, Tom is without doubt the big winner of the year so far in state politics. It won’t be easy for Democrats to admit. Or for people like me who think Tom has some bizarre ideas. But this is Rodney Tom’s state now. As much as it is anyone’s in politics "

Republicans say let's stop arguing over other matters and tax loopholes, reach a budget deal with the new money, and go home.

No one is really counting on it. Would it be a tax increase, requiring a super-majority?

With a new revenue forecast coming next week, creating some budget relief, both sides seem to be making concessions at last.

"The dispute over the estate tax has been one of the big flareups as the Washington Legislature attempts to reach a deal to end the 2013 Legislative session before the current fiscal year ends on June 30. But unlike all the other disputes that are inherent in the current debate over taxes, spending and state-government reforms, this one had to be resolved immediately or else the state stood to lose big money."

It will begin on next Wednesday, with the current, fruitless session expiring today.

The Democrats step back from an extension of temporary business taxes. So far the Senate response is cool.

The Pierce County Republican will be sworn in Wednesday, replacing Sen. Mike Carrell, who died last week.

"Costco and its surrogates are pushing legislation, 2SHB 1161, in the special session that would exempt retailers from paying the 17-percent fee required on retailer-to-restaurant sales. Creating a new tax break costing the state millions in revenue, at the same time the state is scrambling to find funding for tougher drunken-driving laws, makes no sense."