31.   But how strongly the issue will play in congressional races is in doubt as Democrats fight an uphill battle to reclaim both chambers on Capitol Hill.

32.   But if voters end up giving Gore the victory, there is a strong chance they also will back Democrats in key congressional races across the nation.

33.   But in the end, the decision seemed less political than personal, even more wrapped up in the family lineage than a congressional race would have been.

34.   But in a measure of the influence of money in congressional races, even those who are now critical of the group once sought its endorsement.

35.   But Monica has turned the current battle into the most expensive congressional race in history.

36.   But revotes have been ordered in other states in congressional races, which would fall under the federal law.

37.   But Mellman and Goeas acknowledged that push polling had been widely used by candidates of both parties, especially in Congressional races.

38.   But the issue of how much conventions and the national tickets affect voters in congressional races is trickier.

39.   But the political advocacy of independent organizations in individual Congressional races paled in comparison to the money spent on issue ads by the two major parties.

40.   But the congressional race only became a true race when it turned nasty.