The transportation impasse prompted Idaho Democrats to waive their policy of holding open caucuses for the second time this session.

The Democrats asked a reporter from the Lewiston Tribune and two lobbyists for the construction industry to leave just before 11 a.m. so they could discuss a proposal being floated by the House GOP.

Democratic Caucus Chairman John Ruchti of Pocatello said he promised House GOP Leader Mike Moyle that he would air the idea in private. Democrats split on the last transportation funding vote, 11 of them siding with Gov. Butch Otter's 6-cent-per-gallon tax increase and seven voting against the bill.

Earlier in the session, Democrats denied a reporter access to a caucus as they discussed proposed increases in the fuel tax.

After that was reported, House Democratic Leader John Rusche said the policy of openness was unchanged, though he acknowledged some of his colleagues wanted to shut party meetings, as Republicans always have. But Rusche said the policy would not change this year, though it would reviewed after the session. Rusche left Boise early Thursday to attend the wedding of a niece in Minnesota.

Senate Minority Leader Kate Kelly said Democrats "would be discussing this issue over the summer."