(Merc) As the Legislature returns from spring break Tuesday, signs are growing that lawmakers want to avoid a costly ballot-box battle and instead strike compromises on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's "reform'' proposals.

The shifting focus follows months of public events and posturing by the Republican governor and his Democratic opponents, who have geared up for a potential special election this year.

Upcoming deadlines for initiatives -- at least one measure must be turned in with signatures by April 19, and the rest by May 6 to make a fall ballot -- are expected to spur negotiations. Other factors, from the governor's falling popularity to Democrats' desire to save campaign cash until 2006, lead analysts to predict compromise is near.