1.   And a Democratic leadership aide said Jeffords would caucus with Democrats, even if he chooses to become an Independent.

2.   A Democratic leadership aide said his party had no plans to file new charges.

3.   A Democratic leadership aide said the dissidents are unlikely to suffer retaliation, in part because the party cannot afford to alienate its dwindling number of Southern lawmakers.

4.   A GOP leadership aide said DeLay and others were dismayed that Bush was unwilling to endorse their call for a cut in the capital gains tax.

5.   A senior leadership aide said Republicans would like to pass the bill by the Easter recess at the start of next month.

6.   A Republican leadership aide predicted flatly that the issue would remain at a stalemate, just as it was last year.

7.   According to a leadership aide, the Democrats are considering holding regular bipartisan meetings.

8.   But Bonior and Democratic leadership aides tell a different story.

9.   But several GOP leadership aides said it would likely reach the floor soon, and they conceded that it would probably get enough Republican support to pass.

10.   But Republican leadership aides said on Tuesday that Gingrich had been talking about the difference between the Republican plan and proposals made earlier this year by President Clinton.