81.   But after prematurely claiming victory in the past, this time the Kremlin was being cautious.

82.   But backers claimed victory, too.

83.   But his campaign was unable to claim the victory it had expected, as both sides awaited a hearing on Monday in the Florida Supreme Court.

84.   But even if the Holy See does not support the final product, the United Nations and United States can claim victory under their own definition of diplomatic success.

85.   But it appeared that the White House was resisting any broad compromise and seeking instead to win just enough Republican votes to allow the president to claim victory.

86.   But Johnson is claiming a victory.

87.   But McCain claimed a victory of sorts as well, earning a quarter of the vote in a contest he all but ignored.

88.   But one question remains in the rush to claim victory.

89.   But Republicans, especially those in the House, also claimed victory Thursday.

90.   But Republican Senate leaders also claimed victory, saying Ashcroft had overcome a feverish campaign by liberal interest groups to derail his nomination.