31.   But the nature and timing of the ads underscore how hard it will be for any of the Democrats to unseat the popular Republican incumbent, George Pataki.

32.   But they failed to overtake Republican incumbents elsewhere in the state, including districts in eastern Long Island and Putnam County that were expected to have close races.

33.   Carnahan, a Democrat, had been in a neck-and-neck race for the Senate with the Republican incumbent, John Ashcroft.

34.   Democrats who are seeking to win back the House next year are leery of accomplishments that Republican incumbents can claim, too.

35.   Democrats have made the Republican incumbent a prime target because of his role as a House manager during the impeachment trial of President Clinton.

36.   Despite his battles against alcoholism, he made legalizing liquor by the drink a main campaign issue and went on to defeat the Republican incumbent, Norman Erbe.

37.   Despite the loss of possibly five Republican incumbents, the vast majority of officeholders won re-election easily.

38.   Earlier this summer McIntyre and House Democratic candidates facing Republican incumbents met with President Clinton and Vice President Al Gore at the White House for a private pep talk.

39.   Elsewhere, Republican incumbents won in Kansas, Michigan, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, New York, Connecticut, Arkansas and Tennessee.

40.   Embattled Republican incumbents avoid his company, but challengers and candidates in open seats revel in the money and attention he brings.