LEADERS STRUGGLE TO FIND COMPROMISE

IOWA---Republican and Democratic legislative leaders say their differences over a new state budget are getting larger instead of narrowing.

The two sides acknowledged Thursday the dispute could go on for weeks or even months.

Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstal says his members are back home, making the case about the impact spending cuts supported by Republicans will have on services.

House Speaker Kraig Paulsen says voters gave Republicans control of the House and the governor's office to shrink state government, and that's what they are doing.

Aides to Gov. Terry Branstad say he's willing to work with lawmakers as long as it takes to agree on a spending plan.

Paulsen says Democrats are adding new spending to their budget proposals, while Gronstal says Republicans are adding new cuts.