The California Senate today voted to repeal the law allowing undocumented residents to obtain drivers' licenses. The Assembly is expected to vote the same tomorrow.

At least 17 senators who voted for the bill in September voted Monday to repeal it, while six others abstained from voting. The law's prospects collapsed in the face of a threatened initiative to repeal it, and the clout of Schwarzenegger, who called the Legislature into special session to overturn the law within hours of his taking office last week.

Schwarzenegger, who campaigned against the law signed by former Gov. Gray Davis, wants a compromise version that includes more safeguards and background checks on applicants.

We support drivers licenses for undocumented residents. This bill has always been our main point of contention with Gov. Arnold. Hopefully, the compromise version will not just give lip service to the program--but we're skeptical, since we are under the impression that the bill that passed required applicants to pass all driving tests, undergo criminal background checks, be in the process of applying for legal residency and have proof that they were employed and had lived in California for at least 15 months in the last three years. We think that's compromise a plenty and can't figure out what more could be needed.