21.   Boy Scout officials dismissed the notion that the decision would spark a backlash against the group.

22.   A Clinton administration official dismissed the notion of an emerging China lobby.

23.   A Justice Department official privately dismissed the flap as political gamesmanship by Wilson.

24.   A Houston businessman immediately expressed interested in having the Cardinals relocate there, but team officials dismissed the idea just as quickly.

25.   A senior White House official dismissed the notion that the recent finance controversy would affect views of Mrs. Clinton.

26.   Administration officials dismiss that thinking and say they have courted moderates.

27.   Administration officials dismissed any talk of a deal.

28.   Administration officials have dismissed the notion that Clinton, as a lame duck president who is without a clear successor would be unable to resume negotiations.

29.   Air Force officials dismissed Hoffman from the civilian job in July.

30.   All along, NATO officials have dismissed these measures as neogtiating tactics aimed at winning concessions from the alliance, rather than warning signs of a new Cold War.