"We understand free trade," said Assemblyman Paul A. Tokasz, a Buffalo Democrat, "but quite frankly the public safety is at issue here."

"I'd like to see them come back every six years," said Assemblyman Arthur O. Eve, a Buffalo Democrat.

Charlene Clinton, a 44-year-old Buffalo Democrat, barely noticed that the first lady was in town twice in recent weeks.

After a spirited rally with Buffalo Democrats, President Clinton today locked himself away for three days of practice for the first nationally televised debate of the campaign.

She succeeded Donald McCarthy, a Buffalo Democrat who the commission labeled an evasive witness at the hearings last week.

But John J. LaFalce, a Buffalo Democrat, who has met with many labor leaders, said he was leaning toward supporting the bill.

Buffalo Democrats enjoy an 8-to-1 registration advantage over Republicans.

Other Buffalo Democrats charged that Mr. Masiello acted purely in hope of winning more state aid for his economically distressed city.

It was a long way from home for Arthur O. Eve, a Buffalo Democrat.

Arthur O. Eve, a Buffalo Democrat, said he believed a planned casino in that city would further impoverish already poor neighborhoods.