11.  A longtime, behind-the-scenes political player, Watson stepped into the spotlight to run for mayor.

12.  But despite his mild-mannered style, Dini has proved himself a hard-nosed political player, whose appetite for power has increased after a year in office.

13.  But his friendship with Bush could turn him into a political player, a New York F.O.G.

14.  But if they are called upon to defend their tax exemption under closer government scrutiny, the Knights have demonstrated they are sophisticated political players in Washington.

15.  But legal experts warn that these political players fail to understand the full implications of applying harassment and discrimination laws to Congress.

16.  But, then again, McCain has always been an opportunistic, impulsive political player.

17.  But with the disaffection of so powerful a political player, the only result thus far has been to bring the government coalition grinding to a halt.

18.  By April, he had so many political players coming through his door he required them to register as lobbyists.

19.  For top-tier political players, betting on the wrong horse can have dire consequences, especially if the winner carries a grudge.

20.  Former political players also are expected to have a role.