1.   A successful filibuster would ensure that the campaign-finance debate would end once again in a partisan stalemate this year.

2.   But as the partisan stalemate stretches into its third month, some economists are saying that a stimulus bill that might pass in December could be too late.

3.   There was no public talk about the Lewinsky investigation, or about the partisan stalemate that is making this one of the least productive legislative years in recent memory.

4.   This partisan stalemate was frustrating to insiders but actually quite okay.

5.   Moderate Democrats could hold the key to breaking a partisan stalemate that has so far prevented Congress from passing an economic stimulus package.

6.   President George W. Bush renewed his push Tuesday for agreement on a U.S. economic stimulus package, with moderate Democrats possibly holding the key to breaking a partisan stalemate.