In California, state law requires that the annual budget be passed by a majority of two-thirds of the lawmakers. Currently, the chamber margins are such that Democrats need the support of eight GOP lawmakers to meet the supermajority required.

Earlier this year, the Republican minority in the California Assembly was able to delay the passage of the budget for a record 85 days.

That scenario stands to change with this election:

Between Sept. 5 and Oct. 15, Democrats registered 215,000 voters, almost twice as many as Republicans, according to county voter registration data. In several Assembly districts held by Republicans, Democrats have nearly closed the gap or even surpassed Republican registration.

Democratic leaders in the state are confident that they will be able to make big gains in this year's legislative elections.

Two of their candidates -- Fran Florez in Assembly District 30 and Manual Perez in Assembly District 80 -- are on the list of the DLCC's 2008 Essential Races.