Senate President Pro Tem Bob Geddes attempted a joke about the molasses-pace of the Legislature that got as many chuckles as groans.

"In a few days, or maybe in a few weeks, or perhaps in a couple of months, we'll adjourn this session," Geddes said during floor debate Thursday morning. Interrupted by the mixed reaction, Geddes said, "Well, I don't know!"

As Geddes spoke, both parties in the House were in caucuses, attempting to resolve a dispute between Gov. Butch Otter and the Legislature over across-the-board cuts to state payroll expenses. House GOP leaders are cool to a compromise between Otter and the co-chairs of the budget committee.

Democrats met for about 45 minutes in an open caucus, while Republicans were still behind closed doors after 90 minutes. At noon, House Democratic Leader John Rusche asked to speak with House Democratic Leader Mike Moyle about the GOP's plans. (The caucus was to have ended by 11:30 a.m., when the House was to reconvene.)

After Rusche conferred with Moyle, the Democrats decided to head to lunch. The House is expected to take up again at 1:30 p.m.

The current line on adjournment suggests April 24 as a good bet.