31.   But Blair softened the blow by resuming discussions with Sinn Fein in the absence of an IRA cease-fire.

32.   But administration and industry officials dismissed such arguments and countered that overseas sales had softened the blow for military contractors.

33.   But environmental groups grew concerned about two weeks ago that Whitman, under pressure from the Bush administration, was brokering a deal with GE to soften the blow.

34.   But he hopes that he can soften the blow by keeping Brinkley at least partly involved in the program.

35.   But he brushed off a question Tuesday about whether his regulatory reforms were aimed at softening that blow.

36.   But its plan forgoes all tax cuts, choosing instead to soften blows to Medicare and preserve federal entitlements to welfare, Medicaid and food stamps.

37.   But she softened the blow by airing videotapes that showed Gore in numerous adoring moments with his wife, Tipper.

38.   But that, of course, did nothing to soften the blow.

39.   But the blow is softened by a fat standard exemption and host of new preferences.

40.   But the blow should be softened by the fact that the IRL will subsidize the race by sharing sponsor and TV revenue.