Much of the reporting of debate over the so-called "stimulus" package in Congress tended to paint disagreements in partisan terms. At times it seems Democrats and Republicans are in nearly solid blocs in opposition to each other.

But such is not the case. On one important concern - open debate of the issues - a large group of Democrats opposes liberal leaders of their own party.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., recently received a letter from nearly 70 Democrat lawmakers, complaining about tactics used to advance the "stimulus" bill. Members of the Blue Dogs, who are fiscally conservative Democrats, and the centrist New Democrats wrote an open letter to Pelosi. In it, they complained about tactics used by the speaker to limit debate and committee consideration of the bill.

Those who signed the letter urged that, "we must engender an atmosphere that allows partisan games to cease and collaboration to succeed." They added that they want to ensure that "our legislative tactics enable rather than impede progress."

That isn't Pelosi's agenda. She intends to push liberal legislation through the House no matter what it takes - and that includes alienating some members of her own party.

Pelosi needs to be stopped. If that requires a coalition of Republicans with moderate Democrats, so be it. That may be just the remedy for Pelosi's brand of ultra-liberalism.