<![CDATA[RealClearPolitics - Articles by Shaila Dewan & Nelson Schwartz]]>http://www.realclearpolitics.com/authors/?id=24045Author <![CDATA[Deal Is Closer for Plan on Mortgage Relief]]> Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600 With a deadline looming on Monday for state officials to sign onto a landmark multibillion-dollar settlement to address foreclosure abuses, the Obama administration is close to winning support from a crucial state that would significantly expand the breadth of the deal.

The biggest remaining holdout, California, has returned to the negotiating table after a four-month absence, a change of heart that could increase the pot for mortgage relief nationwide to $25 billion from $19 billion.

Another important potential backer, Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman of New York, has also signaled...]]>