1.   In Austin, state officials defended the clemency system and criticized the appeal as unfounded.

2.   It is, Sparks said many times in many ways, not much of a clemency system.

3.   Parole Board Chairman Victor Rodriguez said he remained confident the clemency system will survive the legal test.

4.   Tisdale said the state is confident the clemency system is not legally flawed and will seek to have Sparks cancel his orders so the executions can be rescheduled.

5.   When asked about the report Tuesday, Gov. George W. Bush, who appoints the parole board members, said the clemency system has withstood court challenge.