Reagan aides denied any knowledge of Presser's alleged ties to organized crime.

Another argument holds that the Reagan aides have been subjected to more restrictions.

But Reagan aides said that the transition team had completed its task and the issue was now moot.

A Reagan aide spoke of it as an "ugly baby that can't be easily dumped on a doorstep."

That huge loophole should be closed, and the act otherwise made much more specific, using the activities of Reagan aides as a guide to impropriety.

The officials said that other senior Reagan aides also shared that view.

As some Reagan aides have argued, the public appears less preoccupied with the Iran affair than it was a month ago.

A careful investigation serves former hostages, former Reagan aides and the wide public.

They also said that both officials would offer the White House experience at a time when several senior Reagan aides have departed.

Some of that expense comes from the sheer number of Reagan aides whose conduct has triggered special investigations.