During a marathon, 46-hour session of the California Legislature to close a $42 billion budget gap, the Senate GOP caucus dumped its leader, Dave Cogdill, after he negotiated a bill with legislative leaders and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger that included tax increases.

• Position: People & Politics

During a marathon, 46-hour session of the California Legislature to close a $42 billion budget gap, the Senate GOP caucus dumped its leader, Dave Cogdill, after he negotiated a bill with legislative leaders and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger that included tax increases. At 10 p.m., members met in Cogdill's office and voted to oust him, replacing him with Senator Dennis Hollingsworth. Ultimately, Cogdill and two other Republicans voted for the bill, which contained $14 billion in tax hikes, as well as program cuts and bond...