11.   But he said response at briefings for members of two conservative Democratic caucuses had been encouraging.

12.   But in the House, where the Democratic caucus is dominated by liberals, the minority has been less willing to work closely with the Republicans.

13.   But the defection of conservative Democratic Senator John Breaux of Louisiana, who opposed the soft money ban, showed cracks in the Democratic caucus.

14.   But the scrap has caused unrest in the Democratic caucus at a time when the members are otherwise trying to unify around tax legislation and other matters.

15.   By subtraction, the House Democratic caucus became smaller -- and more liberal.

16.   Daschle said he should be chosen because he would be able to unify the often divided Democratic caucus and help the Democrats build in the Midwest and the West.

17.   Dick Gephardt exclaimed after the Democratic caucus chose Burton as president pro tempore of the California Senate.

18.   DiIulio faces a skeptical Democratic caucus.

19.   Early in the year, the Republicans had hoped to make a run at defeating Rep. Vic Fazio, the chairman of the Democratic caucus in the House.

20.   Earlier in the day, Senate Minority Leader Thomas A. Daschle told the Democratic caucus about his ongoing negotiations with Lott.