31.   Associates of the president say that there is no evidence that the janitor bribed anyone higher up, and they deny any executive branch involvement in the scandal.

32.   Asked why he did not personally intervene in the case, Khatami stressed that the executive branch should not interfere in the work of the judiciary.

33.   At his news conference, Schundler proposed extending annual financial disclosure requirements that now apply to executive branch officials to all state officeholders.

34.   Aside from whatever else they may mean, these deceptions in themselves constitute an abuse of presidential prestige and executive branch authority.

35.   At times he has been undercut by others in the executive branch.

36.   A bill by Rep. Jon Fox, R-Pa., would prohibit using the White House and other executive branch buildings to reward political contributors.

37.   A Democratic president and Democratic Congress were eager to demonstrate their own integrity by eliminating the conflict of interest inherent in having the executive branch investigate itself.

38.   A Kremlin spokesman declined to comment this week on whether Susuyev was speaking for himself or was reflecting some broader consensus in the executive branch.

39.   A proponent of a strong executive branch, Roosevelt expanded the administrative power of the presidency as never before.

40.   Administration officials said it is a serious intrusion upon presidential powers and a threat to the leaders of the executive branch as they seek outside advice on public policy.