41.   But federal officials contend that Mrs. Quinones and Ms. Silverman were dismissed because they spoke Spanish on the job.

42.   But government officials contend that they arrested Lee only after a lengthy investigation.

43.   But industry officials contend railroads remain safer than the highways and the airways despite recent tragedies.

44.   But Japanese officials contend that they are already deregulating markets, and they are concerned about losing influence in areas they have dominated for decades.

45.   But officials contend that if a district defaulted, bondholders would probably demand that the city take responsibility.

46.   But Nike officials contend that the campaign did exactly what it was supposed to do.

47.   But officials contend that they are necessary in order to push people receiving assistance toward independence.

48.   But intelligence officials have always contended that their findings were ignored because tougher sanctions would have ruptured U.S.-Chinese relations.

49.   But other defense officials have contended that the United States would be handing Hussein a major propaganda victory if it curtailed the no-flight zones now.

50.   But it is the open-ended questions, those requiring students to demonstrate their analytical abilities, that state officials contend distinguish the MCAS from traditional standardized tests.