Calif. Aid Request Spurned By U.S.
• Washington PostTop state officials have gone hat in hand to the administration, armed
with dire warnings of a fast-approaching "fiscal meltdown" caused by a
budget shortfall. Concern has grown inside the White House in recent
weeks as California's fiscal condition has worsened, leading to
high-level administration meetings. But federal officials are worried
that a bailout of California would set off a cascade of demands from
other states.