Still, it is far from clear that Congress will go along with the move, especially as elections approach.

The Senate will probably address the issue as elections approach.

But as the midterm elections approach, 2004 increasingly seems like a long time ago.

Iraqi and American officials say they expect acts of violence to grow as the elections approach.

The question rarely arises, at least until an election approaches.

The effort to define patients' rights is already a hot political issue, and will become hotter as this fall's elections approach.

As the elections approach, the tempo of violence has been picking up.

The specter of political violence looms as the elections approach.

As the election approaches, democracy advocates here see many signs of trouble.

Big tactical differences could also evolve as the election approaches.