Save a significant game-changer, California is doomed to repeat this year's budget fiasco which resulted in a budget that was 85 days late and at least $7 billion short in cash on hand. Our governor may very well be on his way to applying for a piece of the bailout money approved by Congress. But respected political practitioners are signaling likely gains for Democrats in the state legislature. If both an Obama tidal wave and state house races pan out, Speaker Bass and Senate Pro Tem Steinberg will have far more bargaining power at the negotiation table.

In a nutshell, PolitickerCA.com reports that respected political operatives including Steve Barkan and Mike Riley met with news reporters recently to announce that prospects were looking good for Democrats this November.

They believe Democrats can pick up Assembly seats in Districts 15, 78 and 80. They think there is an outside but reasonable shot in Districts 10 and 26, traditionally solid Republican seats.

Even though, Assemblywoman Nicole Parra has officially turned her back on the Democratic Party by endorsing a Republican for her seat (Parra is termed out this November) the politicos feel confident the Democratic candidate will keep the seat blue.

If the consultants are right, and Democrats are able to pick up two to four seats in the Assembly, Bass and Steinberg will walk into next year's or sooner budget negotiations with a stronger hand. And they will only need to persuade one or two Republicans to join them in order to achieve the two-thirds necessary for tax and budget policy.

Arnold, We'll be back.