21.   Bush said through his aides last week that he opposed the Democratic amendment that included mandatory background checks on gun-show purchases.

22.   Bret Schundler, the Republican, said through a spokesman that he favored rescinding the contract as long as that did not involve major financial loss.

23.   But Curtis Miller, a Kitsap County, Wash., resident, was one of the crewmen, his family said through a spokesman.

24.   But asked for documentary evidence, Puleo said through a spokesman that he had misspoken.

25.   But in a recent interview, she said through a translator that employees of First U.S. Citizens told her that they were not concerned about her English skills.

26.   But Kraft has said through years of bitter negotiations with Massachusetts officials that he was determined to keep the team in New England.

27.   But Mrs. Taxman said through Klausner that she was angry at what she called her abandonment by the Justice Department.

28.   But Ms. Steele said through her lawyer that Ms. Willey did not go to her house or tell her about any improper behavior by the president.

29.   But Ms. Schimke said through a spokeswoman that Hutton had told her that the case involving Roswell Park was closed.

30.   But on Thursday, Edgerson said through a UA spokesman that he had not made a final decision.