Daniels traveling state to push budget

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Gov. Mitch Daniels hit the road Wednesday in the effort to put pressure on the state lawmakers who are locked in a special session at the Statehouse.

Daniels campaigned for a 2-year GOP budget proposal that preserves a billion dollar surplus in Terre Haute and points south.

"My patience has worn thin," said Gov. Daniels (R-Indiana).

Lieutenant Governor Becky Skillman went to Lafayette and points north.

"The stakes are just so high," said Skillman.

Daniels said, "It's really time for people to stand up and say, as I said today, we will not be blackmailed into bankruptcy, we will not be bullied into a tax increase, period."

"But today we are to listen," said Rep. Bill Crawford (D-Indianapolis).

Meantime, at the Statehouse, Budget Conference Committee Chairman Bill Crawford called for additional public testimony from university presidents who receive more money from a 1-year Democratic budget.

In a tense meeting, lead Republican Budget Negotiator Luke Kenley became irritated at one point with Crawford Aide Erik Gonzalez.

"Erik, Erik, could I talk? I can't hear myself talk with you talking," said Sen. Kenley (R-Noblesville).

No private budget talks are scheduled. The governor blames House Speaker Pat Bauer.

"He is the most powerful boss we've seen legislatively. No one ever crosses the boss," said Daniels.

Both the governor and the lieutenant governor are hitting the road again on Thursday.

The governor also said that if there is no budget by Tuesday's deadline, a government shutdown will be 100% the fault of Speaker Bauer.

The budget conference committee, meantime, is scheduled to hear more testimony Thursday and Friday.