Gov. Charlie Crist has acknowledged there's little chance lawmakers will approve a deal to expand Seminole Indian gaming during a special legislative session next month.

The ever-optimistic governor, though, said Wednesday that he included $135 million from the gambling compact in his deficit reduction plan "because hope springs eternal."

Legislative leaders plan to call a special session for Jan. 5-16 to deal with an expected $2.3 billion budget deficit. Crist submitted recommendations including the Seminole compact to lawmakers Tuesday.