1.  Clinton and gun-control groups ought to be exploring ways to force that public showdown.

2.  Ellman also has a public showdown with the Scottsdale City Council, which is demanding to see his balance sheet.

3.  He prefers an agreement by consensus or a secret ballot to avoid a divisive public showdown.

4.  In turn, Perkins supporters have launched protests that disrupted council meetings, sometimes involving harsh words, public showdowns and arrests.

5.  Rep. John Edward Porter, R-Ill., chairman of the subcommittee, had called for a public showdown on the controversy a week ago.

6.  If, as is predicted, the Social Democrats win the general election, a very public showdown with soccer chiefs over spending is probable.

7.  The magazine moved the party there after a public showdown with former mayor Rudolph Giuliani, who blocked plans for a party at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

8.  The official said Arafat was prepared to drive to the Israeli army checkpoint at Qalandiya, on the northern edge of Jerusalem, for a public showdown if necessary.