Bipartisanship may be rare these days, but four California leaders who worked across party lines to negotiate a budget during one of the worst economic downturns in history were awarded the nation's most prestigious recognition for elected officials: the Profile in Courage Award.

• Position: People & Politics - Brief article

Bipartisanship may be rare these days, but four California leaders who worked across party lines to negotiate a budget during one of the worst economic downturns in history were awarded the nation's most prestigious recognition for elected officials: the Profile in Courage Award. Caroline Kennedy presented the award--its 20th anniversary--to Democrats Karen Bass, former Assembly speaker; and Darrell Steinberg, Senate president pro tern; and Republicans David Cogdill, former Senate Republican leader; and Michael Villines, former Republican Assembly leader. The deal the four negotiated to save the state from financial ruin, however, was ultimately repudiated...