11.   But as the returns came, many party leaders appeared to be backing off from the impeachment inquiry.

12.   But both leaders appear to be ahead of their people.

13.   But Aum leaders appear to have known in advance about the police raids, allowing them to remove documents and equipment and to flee themselves.

14.   But each time the congressional leaders appear together, as they did in a session on Medicare this week in the Capitol, Gingrich provides new credibility for Dole.

15.   But in Europe, relatively little consolidation has happened and now government leaders appear to believe judgment day is near.

16.   But it is a race the Serbian leader does not appear ready to lose.

17.   But Taliban leaders appear to have anticipated the problem.

18.   But this time each leader appears dramatically weakened in his own country.

19.   Chinese leaders appear in public rarely, and those looking for clues about their style of work may have been most struck by the moment when the session ended.

20.   Democratic leaders Wednesday appeared ready to pounce on the issue, although some worried any move to kick Romney off the ballot is a longshot and could backfire.