"We would be able to block bond issues and borrowing."

That would give them some meaningful clout, the power to block bond votes and prevent veto overrides.

Republicans voted against Mr. Suozzi's first budget and long-range financial plan, stalled the sewer authority and recently blocked bonds to modernize the county's computers, she said.

Credit-default swaps to protect against losses on H&R Block bonds for five years surged 274.2 basis points to 322.3 basis points this year through yesterday, according to CMA DataVision prices.

Although the Colonial office blocked Bond Head's plan, the Credit Band did not receive the title deeds that Victoria authorised her minister to grant them, and remained vulnerable to the encroachment of white settlers.

The embattled company sued this month to block bond trustee Bank of New York Mellon Corp (BK.N) from interfering with its proposed redemption of the debt at 100 cents on the dollar, or par.

Olerud double-clutched briefly as he pulled the ball out of his glove, but threw a perfect strike home and Todd Pratt was able to block Bonds's left foot as he slid in, putting the tag on him for the eighth triple-play in team history.