11.   But Tech defends its program, as does Georgia, which ranks in the middle of the SEC schools for SAT scores.

12.   But the president acknowledged that Republican complaints had put pressure on his administration to decide how willing it was to defend programs whose utility might be outlived.

13.   But they often find that they must use their new prominence to defend cherished programs from the conservatives.

14.   Byrd said the Clinton administration has defended tribal programs from proposed budget cuts in the Republican-ruled Congress that could have devastated Indian people.

15.   Chilton defended the programs, saying they often provided opportunities for economic growth in small towns with few other options.

16.   Democratic Rep. Norm Dicks of Washington, a member of the House National Security Appropriations Subcommittee, defends Boeing programs.

17.   Dunbar defended the program as one in which the rewards far outweigh the costs.

18.   Gail Kaufman, communications director at the San Francisco Unified School District, defended the program but conceded there had been problems.

19.   Gov. George W. Bush of Texas, the leading Republican presidential candidate, defended the program last fall.

20.   He did, but he also defended the program as appropriate and well-intentioned.