First budget vote, and very little surprise… the budget proposed by Democrats, one they argue is very similar to that of the governor, failed to gain the needed two-thirds majority in the Assembly.

The vote was 45-32, with 2 Democrats absent and one not voting. The Senate is expected to convene late this afternoon, and few budget watchers expect a different outcome.

UPDATE: The Senate also failed to pass the budget bill, SB 77, on a party-line vote late this afternoon. Afterwards, however, leaders on both sides of the aisle told reporters they’re ready to begin negotiating a compromise. And members were told to be ready to vote again, perhaps even this weekend.