51.   Norton made a similar pledge in July, saying the administration would consider no new leases in the eastern gulf for at least five years.

52.   Officials said the Bush administration was still considering whether to order the expulsion of any Russian intelligence officers as a protest over the Hanssen case.

53.   One option the administration has considered is moving to partial competitive bidding.

54.   Other advisers who follow the Middle East say the administration should at least consider some relations with Iran, as a way of blunting Iraq.

55.   On Wednesday, Secretary of State Colin L. Powell said the administration was considering backing an interim Palestinian state.

56.   Perry said the Clinton administration would consider such a request, if asked.

57.   Previous plans called for Chile to join the NAFTA partners, but the administration is considering negotiating a two-way trade agreement with Chile instead.

58.   Republicans in both the House and Senate are trying to double the amount of the request by adding money for military programs that the administration does not consider necessary.

59.   Reno was unlike anyone else the administration was considering for high legal posts.

60.   Raines said the administration is considering nominating a banker, but that no decision had been made.