21.   Although Republican leaders in Congress now say they will pare the budget before they cut taxes, much still hangs on how tax cuts are scored.

22.   Although most Republican leaders endorsed the effort at the time, Clinton eventually had to skirt Congress to put the Mexican rescue package into place.

23.   Among Democrats in Congress, Sen. Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., has earned the standing to open serious discussions with Republican leaders.

24.   Although Republican congressional leaders were among those pushing hardest for this legislation, GOP presidential nominee Bob Dole criticized Clinton for signing the bill.

25.   Although the Budget Office is officially nonpartisan and has generally retained its reputation of independence, Republican leaders have adopted its numbers as their own for negotiating purposes.

26.   Although the Congressional Budget Office is nonpartisan, the Republican leaders in the House and Senate have adopted its figures as a benchmark for developing their budget proposals.

27.   Among Republican leaders who sound a more conciliatory note is Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.

28.   Although Lazio is viewed as a potentially strong candidate against Giuliani, many Republican leaders believe that the mayor would be a far stronger challenger to Mrs. Clinton.

29.   Although the Republican leaders are responsible for setting national priorities, none apologize for fighting for their home states and districts.

30.   Although the Republican leaders have used some of their Virginia money to back local candidates, most of it has not not been spent in the Old Dominion.