NY Sen. Charles Schumer says he hopes to have a bipartisan consensus on the rescue package sometime this afternoon. And Rep. Paul Kanjorski tells CNBC that "I'm more optimistic this morning than I've ever been." He says the bailout bill is "almost a done deal." There is a sense of urgency about getting a plan in place as soon as possible - both because of the potential Wall Street fallout but also because of presidential politics. Democrats obviously don't want John McCain to swoop in and try to get credit for getting the compromise, as he most assuredly will. Investors appear to be betting that a deal is close - the Dow is up 131 points in early trading.
More by Mark Lacter:
American-US Air settlement with DOJ includes small tweak at LAXSocal housing market going nowhere fast
Amazon keeps pushing for faster L.A. delivery
Another rugged quarter for Tribune Co. papers
How does Stanford compete with the big boys?
Those awful infographics that promise to explain and only distort
Best to low-ball today's employment report
Further fallout from airport shootings
Crazy opening for Twitter*
Should Twitter be valued at $18 billion?
Recent stories:
Letter from Down Under: Welcome to the HomogenoceneOne last Florida photo
Signs of Saturday: No refund
'I Am Woman,' hear them roar
Bobcat crossing
New at LA Observed
On the Politics Page
Go to Politics
Sign up for daily email from LA Observed