I alluded to the impending six pac stand-off in an earlier post, outlining the road the House GOP had to navigate in order to pass the State budget, regardless of form.  Constitutional party member Jore publically stated he could not vote for the level of spending found in the six pac.  It took one, & by the time of the vote, Koopman et al will have had their wheaties and join Jore in calling for further GOP reductions in the State budget.  The impasse.  I see three options for the democrats:

• let them cut until they have the 51 votes.  The moderates of the GOP are alienated by both parties.  The dems risk all current bills now in House control.  They (GOP) won't forget.
• bail them out by supporting the various amendments. The dems look weak, really don't accomplish anything 

or

• work with the moderates of the GOP and take back control of the process.  Imagine that, a majority running the process rather than the radical few.

Admittedly an unlikely scenario,  but it might just work if they are willing to try.  I doubt seriously if the 25+ or so republicans who are not as radical as their vocal, headline grabbing, publicity seeking colleagues want to vote on a budget that essentially shelves or stalls government.  Additionally, if they do, any march back to court on education funding would be placed squarely on their shoulders.   Those members of the GOP may be ready to stand up and take control of this process, and negotiate a few things while doing it, such as reasonable permanent property tax reduction, a nod on tuition reduction, etc.

Should the democrats leadership & Gov. Schweitzer work with such a block, a solution may be crafted in a bi-partisan fashion, with enough accolades to cover both the D's and the R's.   Imagine a solution that included a balanced budget, permanent tax reduction and full time kindergarten.  Holy three pac.