Calif. Republicans Debate Future Amid Budget Drama

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- California Republicans are meeting in Sacramento this weekend at a time of high tension within the party, with GOP lawmakers being pressured to avoid compromise with Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown and the party struggling to maintain relevance.

The party also faces a change in leadership. Its chairman, Ron Nehring, is termed out after four years in the position.

Among the contentious items being debated is a resolution that would brand as a traitor any Republican lawmaker who agrees to let voters decide whether to extend a series of tax increases to help close the state's budget deficit. The state party also will consider ways to thwart the effects of California's new top-two primary system.

On Saturday, attendees will hear from Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, a potential GOP presidential candidate.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)