31.   But Monday, the mayor said that a three-way race would make it more likely that the Democrat, Vincent J. Gentile, would win.

32.   But the decision was never really a close call, the mayor said.

33.   But the mayor has said there might still be unspecified opportunities for hiring.

34.   But the mayor said the benefits of the new program would outweigh the risks.

35.   But the Fort Worth mayor said they are friends and have successfully worked together.

36.   But the mayor also said that incidents like the one described in the Daily News might be unavoidable because of how much spraying is taking place.

37.   But the mayor said Domenech was unacceptable and dismissed Mrs. Gresser as an obstacle.

38.   But the mayor said he backed away from the meetings because the family members wanted their lawyer, Johnnie Cochran, to be present.

39.   But the mayor said Monday he never considered anyone else for the job.

40.   But the mayor said officials would take no chances.