SALEM - The Legislature's school funding plan continued its tortuous journey through the Capitol on Wednesday, getting first hung up in the Senate and later in the House.

A day after Gov. Ted Kulongoski vetoed the measure, legislative Democrats had trouble mustering enough votes to issue an override, placing the K-12 budget in legislative limbo.

The funding plan originally passed through the both chambers with enough support to withstand a veto, and it was expected to squeak through a second passage.

But Senate Republicans held up the override for much of the day by denying Democrats enough votes. However, late Wednesday Senate Minority Leader Ted Ferrioli revived the measure, saying simply that passing the budget plan would "advance the calendar."

Upon reconsideration, the Senate passed the override easily, only to see it stall in the House.

What happens next isn't clear.

House Republicans could bring the override back up for a vote later in the week. Meanwhile, House Speaker Dave Hunt said Democrats would get to work drafting a budget that meets the governor's wishes and have something ready for today.

"We thought the budget we passed was meritorious and still is," he said. But his hands are tied so long as Republicans continue to oppose an override. "Today, they've decided to play politics. They're entitled to that."

The governor and Democratic legislative leaders have been at odds over how to organize the school budget for about two weeks.

Both agree schools should get $6 billion. What's at issue is how much K-12 should receive upfront.

Democratic legislators want to spend $5.8 billion, leaving $200 million for next year if the economy has improved. Kulongoski wants an initial allocation of $5.6 billion, leaving $400 million in reserves.

Lawmakers said their plan gives schools more security as they craft their budget for the next two years.

"I believe that we have adopted a conservative, prudent, pay-as-you-go approach," said Rep. David Edwards, D-Hillsboro, before the House vote. "Under the circumstances we believe it's the best budget that can be achieved."

Hunt said Republicans were requesting a number of bills be killed in exchange for their support, including one restricting field burning and another setting low-carbon fuel standards.

Nick Smith, a spokesman for House Minority Leader Bruce Hanna, disputed that account. "There have been no discussions about the education budget," he said. "We look forward to having an opportunity to discuss the education budget with Democrats."

Whether after that discussion Republicans would be inclined to support and override, he said, simply, "we'll just have to wait and see."