Now, with time running out, Democrats have essentially agreed to Republican demands on new state borrowing. Having won, Republicans should help move the bonds forward.

Gov. Baldacci, in search of a deal with Republican leaders in Augusta, has pared his proposal for new state borrowing to $40 million.

On Tuesday, the Appropriations Committee will consider the latest offer meant to bust the logjam over bonds for this November’s ballot.

Earlier this year, Republican leaders suggested they would be willing to support a bond in the neighborhood of $40 million. The governor and state Democrats had bigger plans and a larger proposal, which topped $100 million in its early forms. Republicans balked at the amount, and there was no movement for months. Baldacci then offered a $55 million plan, which was also rejected.

The latest offer from Baldacci would dedicate $20 million to the Land for Maine’s Future, a popular conservation program; $9 million to transportation improvements; and about $11 million for economic development and the environment.

It takes a two-thirds majority in the House and Senate to place a bond on the ballot. Democrats have a majority, but need Republican votes.

From their actions, the Republican leadership seems determined to keep any new borrowing off the November ballot. “What’s the rush?,” is the mantra; bonds can wait until next year.

If approved, the bond plan could leverage almost $80 million in matching federal dollars. The money would help upgrade drinking water, clean up hazardous waste sites, replace the Waldo-Hancock Bridge and protect valuable natural resources from development.

Republicans have sought changes that would require state budgets be approved by a two-thirds majority, including changes in tax law and new spending. But their obstruction on bonds – an important investment tool for the state’s future – illustrates why no Democrat in his or her right mind would support such a change. The wheels of government could fly right off. Some might argue that outcome wouldn’t be that bad but, with the challenges facing the state, inaction is not an option.

All along, we have supported placing bonds on the ballot in November. On Tuesday, there’s a chance for bipartisan agreement to do just that.

Democrats have put the good of the state above partisan pride. Republicans have gotten their way. They’ve won. Why not declare victory and put the bonds on the ballot for voters to decide?