Republican allies said they welcomed the signal from the administration, not only the sentiment Mr. Bolten conveyed but also the way the White House shared it publicly.

Republican allies of Mr. Pataki's also voiced concerns.

There are 54 Democrats in the Senate, leaving the party dependent on finding six Republican allies to end the filibuster.

Last month some White House officials told Republican allies that Mr. Friedman was under consideration for a top administration job.

That would mean that Mr. Danforth would have to find nine Republican allies to override a veto.

Even many Republican allies of Mr. Reynolds express concern that he may be damaged by the matter, no matter how hard he tries to explain his actions.

Mayor Perillo's two Republican allies on the five-person board approved the move to install a commissioner who would outrank Chief Burton.

Republican allies of Mr. Faso said they hoped Mr. Weld would drop out in the name of party unity.

There are 57 Democrats, and Mr. Danforth has had 6 or 8 announced Republican allies at various stages.

Still, Mr. McCain did find seven Republican allies on Tuesday and, despite the loss of one of those supporters today, vowed that he would eventually prevail.