11.   But Douglas E. Howard, the new director of the state welfare agency, defended his plans.

12.   But he issued a statement defending the plan.

13.   But Sen. Gerald Cardinale, a Republican from Cresskill, said he was confident that he would be able to defend the plan.

14.   But she looks decidedly uncomfortable when defending a plan which has subjected France to a stream of international criticism and consumer protest.

15.   But New York hospital executives, HCFA officials and New York politicians defended the plan and dismissed the complaints as sour grapes.

16.   But the administration has continued to defend the plan as the best way to raise money to improve buildings, fences, roads and lighting along the borders.

17.   But the Lazio campaign defended its plan Saturday, saying that it would actually bring prosperity to blighted areas of the state.

18.   But Whitman said that she looked forward to defending her plan on the campaign trail.

19.   Carter defended the plan, calling it a solemn execution vigil rather than a vocal demonstration against the death penalty.

20.   Cisneros defended his plan during hearings in the Senate and House, where some of his strongest political detractors have called for congressional probes into his personal affairs.