Fighting over a bill intended to make it easier for workers to form unions intensified at press time. Both sides were increasingly turning to commercials, polls and talking points to sway minds and votes. But there are signs that the battle may actually be over.

Facing withering pressure within their own states, two lawmakers said they would no longer back the Employee Free Choice Act. Their reversals may prove critical, as it means the measure might no longer have a filibuster-proof margin in the Senate. Sens. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Arlen Specter (R-PA) cited a struggling national economy for their reversals.

But both camps are soldiering on, just in case. Business and union groups released a series of commercials in key markets at press time, in a final push. They also cited polls indicating public support for their positions. Nursing home operators steadfastly oppose the measure.