1.   Although Republican leaders have scored more wins than losses in legislating the contract, the two votes on defense issues represent their biggest set-backs.

2.   Aspin was widely viewed as one of Congress best minds on defense issues.

3.   Barak combines charisma and a military background, which is highly esteemed in Israel, and he is considered tougher on defense issues than Peres.

4.   A pair of defense issues provide Europeans with a satisfying irritation with the United States.

5.   Bush also meets today with congressional leaders on defense issues.

6.   But calling him a liberal and attacking him on defense issues is like saying Ronald Reagan was soft on communism.

7.   Dellums insists that he has remained an important player in brokering compromises between Democrats and Republicans on defense issues.

8.   Dole has tried repeatedly to interject defense issues into the presidential campaign.

9.   Defense issues, such as terrorism and local spending items, figure to play a more prominent role in Congress during the next two years, congressional experts say.

10.   Gun control was judged equal in importance with defense issues.