But the fact of the last-minute conversions tells us that the political system is working as it is meant to work in a democracy.

No last-minute conversions.

A Case for Action While the possibility of Mr. Hussein experiencing a last-minute conversion seems minuscule, there is one quick way to test whether it's possible.

(Only once before had a N.F.L. game been won by a last-minute 2-point conversion.)

"We are hoping for a last-minute conversion."

After tabulating the last-minute conversions, Democratic leaders said they were confident the bill would pass by a slim margin, though they conceded there was little room for error.

Given the Governor's record, it is awfully tempting to see his sudden championing of rider givebacks as a last-minute conversion on the eve of an election year.

The second question is, is it a last-minute conversion?

But such a last-minute conversion would be inconsistent with the way I have lived all these years.