PROVIDENCE — House Democrats convened at the State House for a closed-door discussion of an issue that was not even on their special-session agenda last week: the state’s financial crisis.

When the doors opened more than two hours later, several lauded House leaders for giving each Democratic lawmaker two minutes to vent ideas and frustrations in a “very positive,” private setting. “It [was] almost like an economic summit,” said Rep. Peter Palumbo, D-Cranston, who suggested the legislature “think outside the box” by considering auto racing as one possible way to create more jobs.

Rep. Douglas W. Gablinske, D-Bristol, said he told colleagues: “We need to look more closely at privatizing state services,” and raised the question: “Why do we own bridges? There are billions of dollars to be made in selling bridges.”

Rep. Christopher M. Fierro, D-Woonsocket, said there was little support for raising broad-based taxes, but many spoke about the need to avoid putting financial pressure on the cities and towns they represent. “I said I can’t vote for a budget that takes more from my city.”

Freshman Rep. Michael J. Marcello, D-Scituate, said he expected leadership to consolidate the ideas over the coming months. “You’ll probably see a focused agenda in January,” he said. “And I think you’ll see a school-aid formula as part of that.”

While the night didn’t produce any immediate action plans, Rep. Edwin R. Pacheco, D-Burrillville, said he expected it would produce “some bold items” for the legislative agenda in January. “There are 75 reps, 69 of which are Democrats. We don’t always get the chance to sit down and talk,” he said.

In a letter informing his fellow Democrats of the caucus, House Speaker William J. Murphy wrote: “The purpose of the caucus will be to hear your input and freely discuss some potential plans of action for the current fiscal situation… I believe this caucus will be a significant first step in helping the House of Representatives organize a forward thinking plan of action.”

But with Democrats controlling all but 6 of the 75 House seats, not all lawmakers agreed on the need to meet behind closed doors to discuss in private what is arguably the state’s most urgent problem as it grapples with plummeting revenues and record-high unemployment.

Earlier this week, an economist with Moody’s Economy.com told state officials the end of the “Great Recession” is in sight, but Rhode Island’s economic recovery will lag behind every other New England state and the nation, with unemployment climbing to a new high of 13.8 percent by the second quarter of 2010.

“I think the fact that we are having a caucus could be a step in the right direction,” said Rep. Gregory Schadone, one of the House Democrats vying to replace Murphy, who has already announced plans to leave after next year. But Schadone, D-North Providence, questioned the need for secrecy in this instance and said the six Republicans should have been included.

“The public’s confidence in the General Assembly right now is obviously at a low, and the fact that we are meeting behind closed doors to discuss the biggest issue facing the state is certainly not going to bolster public confidence or help them understand what we are trying to do,” he said.

Added Rep. Rene Menard, D-Lincoln: “Whatever decision we make is going to affect each and every person who resides within the districts we represent … We shouldn’t be plotting a secret path.”

But Murphy, D-West Warwick, stood firm, saying earlier this week: “It is appropriate to have a closed Democratic caucus to allow party members to freely discuss issues for the coming year.” He also noted House plans for an open Dec. 1 “economic forum.” Unmentioned, but hovering over the discussion, was the threatened revolt that forced House leaders to restore a big chunk of the local aid they had planned to cut last spring.

On his way to the caucus, Murphy said his goal is growing jobs: “I am going to discuss some leadership ideas and when the caucus is over, I will be happy to tell you what we discussed.” But when the doors opened, he was already gone. In his absence, his chosen successor — House Majority Leader Gordon D. Fox, D-Providence — said: “I think it was wonderful.”

“You are a group of 69 people. The first thing you do is try to build consensus,” he said. “I took copious amounts of notes. My next job is to try to put this together.”

kgregg@projo.com