The business and labor groups both hold considerable clout in Congress, and proponents of an immigration overhaul had hoped that any possible objections to details in this portion of the legislation for instance, immigrant quotas could be worked out in advance.

WSJ: Business, Labor Groups Find Little Accord on Immigration

He points out that Democrats are not beyond showmanship themselves for instance, by presenting President Bush with the Iraq spending legislation on the fourth anniversary of his now infamous "mission accomplished" speech aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.

NPR: Behind Bush's Veto: A Father's Loss, a Humble Pen

For instance, Senator John Kyl of Arizona, a Republican member of the special committee set up by the deficit legislation, threatened last week to quit the panel if it attempted to cut military spending any further.

FORBES: GOP Electoral Victory In 2012 Could Rescue Defense Industry