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Often starved for attention, Republicans leap into debate over road repairs

It's unusual for Republicans to wield much influence in California's Capitol, but the brewing debate over funding road repairs is an exception.

For starters, Republicans are eager to help find money to fix up the state's dilapidated roads, highways and bridges. But perhaps more important, it's one of the rare issues where votes from the minority party could affect the outcome.

Democratic lawmakers want to use a special legislative session, called by Gov. Jerry Brown to address an estimated $59 billion worth of road problems, to raise gas taxes or create new fees. Generating additional revenue is impossible without support from Republicans because it requires a two-thirds vote in the Legislature.