21.   He grew up in Massachusetts and rose through its modest Republican ranks.

22.   If Weld were to touch off a damaging squabble within the Republican ranks, GOP leaders might need to intervene, a scenario that likely would benefit Weld.

23.   In both contests, the Democratic candidates have outspent their Republican opponents, and in both states Republican ranks have been somewhat divided.

24.   In an effort to avoid what could be a divisive fight within Republican ranks, a deal was being discussed.

25.   In recent years, extremists within the Republican ranks made things easy for the pro-choice side by portraying the abortion fight in the starkest terms possible.

26.   In the most recent imbroglio, it seems to me, the Republican rank and filers were blaming Speaker Newt Gingrich for the wrong thing.

27.   McCain, whose hopes hinge on that flood tide from outside Republican ranks, was equally confident.

28.   Nor, in the Republican ranks, are Dan Quayle, Bob Dole, Jim Baker, Dick Cheney, Phil Gramm, Jack Kemp, or Lamar Alexander.

29.   Not since Newt Gingrich was speaker had such rancor spilled through the Republican ranks, some Republicans said.

30.   Rappaport and Healey will now face off in the fall primary, in what is likely to be a spirited and potentially divisive battle within the Republican ranks.