WHEN THE NATION'S unemployment rate remains in the 9.5% range, passing legislation to extend unemployment benefits for a few more months would seem to be a slam-dunk proposition.

However, it took months to get a bill approved, and the measure got only the bare minimum of votes needed in the Senate to stop a Republican filibuster and bring the bill to a final vote. The struggle to consider what should have been a noncontroversial unemployment compensation measure is not an exception.

In fact, that bill's problems symbolize a near breakdown in the legislative process.

Once upon a time, Democrats and Republicans could consider an issue based on its merits. When Jim Baker, Secretary of Treasury during the Reagan administration, proposed in 1985 to wipe out 401(k) plans, Republicans and Democrats rose to the defense of the plans.

Things are different today. When health care reform legislation was introduced and considered, Democrats and Republicans showed little interest in working together.

The nation is the loser for the loss of bipartisanship, as compromise and consensus almost always leads to a better legislative product.

We would hope, as the November congressional elections near, that voters consider candidates not just on their positions, but also on their willingness to work with members of the other party.