41.   Pryor warned James the national settlement would become reality without him.

42.   She said that she expected the pattern of discounting to continue for a time if a new national settlement is reached.

43.   Some of those close to the discussions said state attorneys were urging Harshbarger to accept the terms and rejoin the national settlement.

44.   That could mean the national settlement will be a long time coming, which will make the Mississippi and Florida settlements look even better in the meantime.

45.   That is the reason cigarette makers want to settle with Texas and pave the way for Congress to approve a national settlement.

46.   The American Lung Association was the only group that opposed a national settlement in favor of the state suit.

47.   The arbitration panel also was seen as a way to keep the legal fees from upsetting the delicate politics of the national settlement.

48.   The company, which has settled tobacco litigation with some states, is trying to get an exemption from a proposed national settlement that would be much more costly.

49.   The locals are expected to reach an agreement soon with the company, patterned after the national settlement.

50.   The lawsuit could be affected by a proposed national settlement of litigation against the tobacco industry, which would prohibit class-action lawsuits against cigarette makers.