91.   But congressional Democratic leaders repeated the argument they have made ever since the president made the tax cut the top priority of his new administration.

92.   But Democratic leaders argued that the country might not be able to afford it if projected budget surpluses in the federal budget fail to materialize.

93.   But Democratic leaders had held out hope that he might stand with them against what they view as highly partisan movement to drive the president from office.

94.   But Democratic leaders polished an alternative proposal designed to draw as many party members as possible away from the Republican plan to authorize a broader investigation.

95.   But Democratic leaders said much of the criticism was a fig leaf hiding other motives.

96.   But Democratic leaders urged their members to vote against the package if any amendment succeeded, and the votes ran largely along party lines.

97.   But Democrats are battling to win them back and will be represented in Dallas by Sens. Sam Nunn and Paul Simon, House Democratic leader Dick Gephardt and others.

98.   But Democratic leaders rejected the charge, asserting that it was internal GOP disputes, not their opposition, that was behind the decision to put off debate.

99.   But Democrats focused on how Gingrich had built his reputation and fueled the GOP takeover of the House with successful attacks on Wright and other Democratic leaders.

100.   But Democratic leaders argued that the country might not be able to afford it if projected surpluses in the federal budget fail to materialize.