1.   But within hours, Senate Democrats debated the shape of an independent commission at their weekly party caucus.

2.   But within hours, Senate Democrats huddled behind closed doors in their weekly party caucus and debated the shape of an independent commission and how to move ahead.

3.   During the weekly party caucus luncheon Tuesday, Dole made his final pitch and, confident that he had the votes, scheduled the debate to begin Wednesday.

4.   The letter was sent to Republican House members the day before their weekly caucus.

5.   What senators say inside their weekly party caucus is generally considered privileged.

6.   With the discharge petition looking bound for success, the weekly closed-door caucus of House Republicans on Wednesday morning turned into a contentious debate on campaign finance.