The San Jose Mercury News offers this report, which begins: “Secretary of State Kevin Shelley’s much-anticipated appearance Thursday before California lawmakers scrutinizing his conduct might be delayed by weeks, if not months, to give attorneys and investigators more time to delve into the controversy.” Another snippet: “Shelley is quietly trying to work out a deal in which he would step down if he can find another job and state lawmakers agree to ease up on their investigation, according to two sources who have spoken to the secretary of state.”