31.   Gov. George Pataki, alarmed by its details and what he saw as the potential for litigation, used his power under state law to block the deal.

32.   Giuliani administration officials, in turn, said they would probably go to court to block the deal.

33.   He also said he would not be surprised if the deal is blocked by federal regulators because of concern that the combination would control too much of some markets.

34.   He said Consumers Union would ask federal antitrust regulators and the Federal Communications Commission to block the deal.

35.   He said that last week he personally pressed John Podesta, the White House chief of staff, to take steps to block any deal involving a foreign government.

36.   Hevesi indicated Friday that in the name of consumers he was inclined to effectively block the deal until Cablevision agrees to freeze subscription rates.

37.   However, the DOT or the Justice Department could move to block either deal.

38.   Hollings has sponsored two measures that would block the deal.

39.   If the FTC does approve the merger, it will put heat on state Attorney General Bill Lockyer to block the deal under state law.

40.   If the Angels, for instance, believe a player would benefit the Mariners, they could block any deal by putting in their own claim.