21.   And prosecutors will have to defend their decision to seek a death sentence.

22.   Arizona Gov. Jane Hull, who en dorsed Bush last month, defended his decision not to debate, saying the timing was not right for a show down.

23.   As Robb was leaving the dinner, he defended his decision to invite Clinton to campaign with him.

24.   As she rubbed the bandage on her head and bruises on her back, arms, and legs, Mrs. Bonafini defended her decision to march with the students.

25.   At a news conference, Reno defends her decision to take Elian by force in the dark, despite earlier promises not to do so.

26.   At a news conference Monday, Giuliani defended his decision to pursue the matter.

27.   At a news conference Wednesday evening, hospital officials defended the decision to discharge Ford and dismissed questions about whether doctors missed symptoms of a stroke.

28.   At a briefing after the general session, Sarsen and Costello defended their decision not to discuss the change with the agency association officers until after its approval.

29.   At the height of the criticism of his station, he defended the decision to play Los Van Van by saying it was what his audience wanted.

30.   At the same time, the White House was taking steps to defend its decision from other expected complaints that it would unwisely limit American options.