There's talk that lawmakers may have to go into special session to hammer out a budget that helps erase a $4 billion-plus deficit.

After a Thursday meeting between Gov. Tim Pawlenty and Senate Majority Leader John Hottinger, it appears it's even more likely.

Hottinger said Pawlenty wouldn't budge from his pledge on no new taxes.

No one wants to see new taxes, including us. But we're also realists and know that compromise is needed for us to seal a budget deal and move on.

Pawlenty's problem is the no-new-tax pledge he adopted during his run for governor last year. Essentially, he's painted himself into a corner.

House Speaker Steve Sviggum (also a Republican) had earlier this year alluded to some sort of tax hike, whether it was through gasoline or cigarettes.

But Pawlenty will have none of it.

We can understand why the governor wants to stick to his guns. But we also hope a lesson is learned for future political office holders.

Be realistic when you offer any sort of campaign promise. Just because it may be a good idea, will it truly be best for all citizens involved?

What we're now likely looking at is no immediate compromise, which means lawmakers will have to go into special session. Defined: It's still going to cost taxpayers money.

Lawmakers and Pawlenty need to work together to solve this budget gap. Stubbornness by some must give way to the good for all Minnesota citizens. The task is simple: Hammer out a budget deal and move on.