31.   But insiders say the department was split between serious foreign-trade specialists and a coterie of political types that included Huang.

32.   But Mrs. Gandhi has upset those predictions, proving more ruthless and, some party insiders say, ambitious, than almost anybody expected.

33.   But in varying degrees, most industry insiders say the competition between the two companies has made matters worse.

34.   But insiders say this strategy has been taken to extremes.

35.   But one Sacramento political insider said if Dole is eyeing a pullout from California, he may well do things differently from Bush.

36.   But Skilling also is responsible, many insiders say, for creating a mercenary, cutthroat culture to stoke the fires beneath the enterprise.

37.   But some political insiders say that female voters, who have often put strong emphasis on gender in both issues and candidates, are now considering a wider palette.

38.   But one Hollywood insider said Kassar would be in for a rude awakening, as Paramount likely would try to rein in his budgets.

39.   But some industry insiders say the historical analogy is flawed.

40.   But some insiders said the administration was nervous about setting a precedent in which officials and former officials may be summoned before a court outside the United States.