31.   But he could play hardball politics with the best of them.

32.   But in an interview, Giuliani said his opponents were playing politics.

33.   But GOP lawmakers risk looking shabby if they persist in playing politics with the future of this worthy, four-year-old volunteer program.

34.   But Pitts said Giambra and other municipal officials who are talking about closing down their governments, are simply playing politics.

35.   But other welfare reform advocates said it is Weld and Cellucci who are playing politics with the issue, needlessly delaying the launch of the welfare reforms.

36.   But politics is played on the field of the real rather than the ideal.

37.   But Mitchell warned critics about playing politics with the measure.

38.   But nations that play politics with sports eligibility are in no position to complain when their suitability to sponsor major international events is questioned over issues like human rights.

39.   But she probably needs higher stakes to play politics in an expensive state like New York and particularly in a race against Moynihan, analysts say.

40.   But the real point, say the anti-immigrant lobbyists, is that the administration is playing politics.