The Assembly Democratic caucus was open for about two minutes today as the session moved quickly to close so the members could discuss "controversial" budget items.

The expectation is the caucus will be closed for most of the day, but updates will be provided about amendments the Dems are considering.

GOP Rep. Dean Kaufert of Neenah made an appearance at the caucus.

"I heard you might need me," Kaufert joked to the Dems.

Kaufert left when the session was closed. When he stopped to talk to a couple of reporters, he had order sheets for his trophy and engraving business in his hand. He said he was upstairs to talk about name tag engraving.

Kaufert, a moderate whom some have speculated may be a Republican the Dems could try to pick off if they didn't have enough votes in their own caucus, said he hasn't been approached by the majority about voting for the budget. And he doesn't expect to be.

"There would have to be too many changes," he said.

But Kaufert said he doesn't think the Dems have the 50 necessary to pass the bill, yet.

"I know they don't (have enough)," he said. "But they're going to get there."

-- By Greg Bump