Directions: Read the given text carefully and fill in the blank with the most appropriate option that would complete the text.

The mayor, for four years running, was unable to cut spending, _____________________ that led to his removal from office.

Correct. The extraordinary failure of the mayor on his inability to cut down spending, led to his removal. The two main clues leading us to this option are: the mention of the reason for his removal and the seriousness of his failure. Incorrect. Impasse is a predicament or a stalemate between two factions. Inability to cut spending will not come under this.