An Arizona state senator resigned from her leadership post Tuesday, citing philosophical differences with other Republican leaders on taxes and spending.

In an e-mail announcing her resignation as Senate majority whip, Republican Sen. Pamela Gorman of Anthem says she finds raising taxes during a recession is the wrong thing to do.

Gorman, who is retaining her position as a state senator, is an opponent of Gov. Jan Brewer's proposal for a sales tax increase. Gorman says the tax issue is tearing apart the Republican caucus.

The Arizona Legislature returned Tuesday afternoon to its special session focusing on closing a state budget deficit estimated at more than $3 billion.