Tran says lack of budget progress reason to go to GOP convention

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. - Assemblyman Van Tran (R-Costa Mesa) said he's not concerned about attending the Republican National Convention while the state budget is unfinished, because progress has to happen with legislative leaders first.

"There's nothing happening," said Tran, who arrived in Minnesota Tuesday, of the stalled budget negotiations. "We're in a holding pattern."

Tran said the budget won't move forward unless there's serious negotiations between the state's "Big 5" politicians of the Democratic and Republican leaders in each chamber and Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Though state Assembly Speaker Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) said she wants Assembly members to be within three hours of Sacramento in case there's a budget vote, that's more ideal than practical, Tran said.

"If we have a compromise, the leadership will still have to call a party caucus first to see if they can proceed with a vote," Tran said. "How long does that take?"

In addition to Tran, state Sen. Dick Ackerman (R-Tustin) and Assemblyman George Plescia (R-San Diego) have either been seen around the convention or announced plans to attend.