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Economy. Bush, House Hammer Out $150 Billion Stimulus Bill "House leaders and the Bush administration reached agreement on a $150 billion economic stimulus package that would quickly send hundreds of dollars to poor and middle-class workers while offering businesses one-time incentives to invest in new equipment." Deal on economic stimulus reached "The centerpiece of the plan is a rebate of as much as $1,200 per household -- even more for families with children -- that could be mailed to most taxpayers as soon as late spring." Deal Spotlights Rarity Of Bipartisan Action "As they unveiled a $150 billion package of tax breaks for consumers and businesses, Republicans and Democrats hoped to rescue not only a troubled economy but also a government that increasingly has seemed as if it could not get anything done."

Republicans. Fiscal fix tops GOP debate "When the five Republican presidential candidates faced off in their final debate before Tuesday's Florida primary, the prime topic, just as on the campaign trail, was the floundering U.S. economy." Republicans Play to Right in Fla. Debate "Republican White House hopefuls called on President Bush to embrace deeper tax cuts to stimulate the economy, as each sought to portray himself to Florida voters as the true conservative" GOP rivals keep it calm "The extraordinary civility of a five-way Republican debate, staged just five days before a Florida primary election that will prove critical to the fates of most of the candidates, underscores how concerned all of these Republicans are about alienating any potential voters here." At Debate on the Economy, Republicans Become Kindest of Candidates "With the fiercely contested Florida primary election just days away, the Republican presidential candidates engaged in some decidedly gentle sparring as they all tried to cast themselves as able fiscal stewards who could steer the nation's increasingly precarious economy back to health."

Democrats. Clinton, Obama Back Off Attacks Sens. "Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama stepped back from the brink in their war of words, with each pulling harsh radio ads from local airwaves and seeking to play down intraparty tensions." Clinton, Obama focus on economy "Sen. Hillary Clinton promised voters that she would fight for college affordability, energy independence and health care,