Senator Nickles said he was still working on a compromise.

"We don't want to trample on domestic liberties," Senator Nickles said in response to a question about civil rights concerns.

"I have heard that many of our candidates are distancing themselves," Senator Nickles said.

"They know it has no chance of passing," Senator Nickles said.

Senator Nickles said he did not appreciate the administration's efforts to pressure the conferees by mobilizing its allies.

Isn't it possible that the tapes Senator Nickles is referring to are, in fact, films?

Senator Nickles snapped back: "It's not even close to being confusing.

In fact, Senator Nickles actually suggested that it might take a significant massacre before such a move would get public support.

Senator Nickles told reporters this week that the bill was "a Federal big-government solution."

Senator Nickles cut him short: "I'm trying to find out if there was obstruction of justice."