31.   Earlier this week, presidential advisers appeared eager for an opportunity to use an attempt to repeal the assault weapon ban as a means to attack Republican opponents.

32.   Florida members split on vote to repeal assault weapons ban.

33.   Floor debate on the assault weapons ban begins at about the same time the legislative hearing starts, with the outcome seen as close.

34.   For example, the decision to hold a House vote on an assault weapons ban last week immediately injected the emotional and divisive issue into the campaign.

35.   Furthermore, President Clinton has threatened to veto any repeal of the assault- weapons ban.

36.   He changed his mind on an assault weapons ban, deciding to support it after reading a list of Chicago-area gun murders.

37.   He is trying to prod the Senate to follow the House in rolling back the assault weapons ban.

38.   He has advocated repeal of the assault weapons ban.

39.   He has also been one of the most ardent opponents of gun control, supporting a repeal of the assault weapons ban.

40.   He said he expects to introduce legislation next week to repeal the assault weapons ban as part of a larger anti-crime bill.