91.   Bush did hold several meetings with top aides, as most candidates for president do.

92.   Bustamante was a top aide to Bronzan.

93.   But a top aide to Giuliani, concerned that the proposed Hudson River Project is already behind schedule, accused Kennedy and Kerry of meddling and causing delays.

94.   But a top Senate aide said he believed that the deal would still be approved by both houses of the Legislature.

95.   But a top White House aide indicated it would be difficult to put in a tug escort requirement by this winter.

96.   But after meeting with labor leaders this week, Reid is now having second thoughts, top Democratic aides said.

97.   But a top Republican aide was not alone in hoping that senators avert a vote.

98.   Bush and his top aides have argued that he must have enhanced trading powers to open markets around the world as an antidote to terrorism.

99.   Bush and his top aides repeatedly attributed high prices to regulatory and environmental barriers that they said made it difficult for energy companies to serve the market properly.

100.   But because Campbell lacks the civil rights credentials of his predecessors, even his top aides say he is still trying to get comfortable with his black constituents.