The Senate's key Republican negotiator on financial overhaul legislation is quoted by AP as saying he's not optimistic about getting a deal before a showdown vote Monday. Alabama Sen. Richard Shelby is predicting that all 41 Republican senators will vote to delay the start of debate on the bill unless talks lead to an agreement. Shelby is the top Republicans on the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee. The committee chairman, Democratic Sen. Christopher Dodd of Connecticut, says he hopes to get the necessary votes to move ahead on Monday. But he acknowledges that Democrats may not be able to peel away any Republican senator. Dodd needs 60 votes _ and there are 59 Democrats and Democratic-allied independents. -- SPA
