1.   Democrats have made HMO reform their top priority this year, and Republicans have seized upon the issues as well.

2.   Democrats have made it a central element of their economic agenda and a first line of defense against calls by Bush and other Democrats for a big tax cut.

3.   Democrats have made the issue a top priority while Republicans, who are in the majority in Congress, are working on their own proposals.

4.   Democrats were making inroads in the House, particularly in the Northeast, but Republicans expressed confidence they would retain a majority.

5.   Democrats are making inroads in Florida, a state Republicans never expected they would have to vigorously defend.

6.   Democrats are making no such promises even to big donors, said Julie Thompson.

7.   Democrats could make more points by holding the GOP to its own heritage.

8.   Democrats have made clear that if strong anti-smoking legislation does not pass, they will accuse Republicans of doing the bidding of the tobacco companies.

9.   Democrats have made gains in past elections by arguing that Republicans want to injure the popular health program.

10.   Democrats have made the issue their own.