Thumbs down, not only to the latest lack of statesmanship in the Legislature, but to a party that apparently thinks all-out warfare is the way to do the people's business.

What is upsetting about Wednesday's outburst by House Republican Majority Leader Mike Lange of Billings is not so much the profanity. More important, it seemed to be another example of legislators determined from the beginning to obstruct the legislative process. Time after time this session, House leaders have stuck wrenches into the legislative gears, seemingly just because they can. Messing with normal legislative procedures, playing hooky from work, holding bills hostage to extort concessions ... what has happened to what most Montanans expect to be a dignified, collegial debate?

We understand a fiscal conservative's dismay over the governor's proposed budget, just as we understand why their opponents want to improve government services. What's tough to understand is why it is necessary to treat fellow Montanans who happen to hold different political views as if they were mortal enemies.

Lange apologized Thursday to the governor for his intemperate remarks, and the pair seemed to make progress toward compromise. That's good news for the GOP. If the session were forced to go into costly overtime, voters wouldn't have to look far for a culprit. And then the Republican Party, already coming off a tough time at the polls last November, might fare even worse when the next election rolls around.