Even Tuesday, some legislative aides cautioned that while the $50 million was clearly being written into the budget, the actual mechanics of the sale were far from settled.

Both noted that his death occurred while he was off duty, and Mayor Giuliani said that his aides cautioned him that the circumstances surrounding the shooting were "ambiguous."

A few aides cautioned that given Mr. Kerry's penchant for secrecy, he could still delay the announcement in reaction to news accounts of his deliberations.

If the articles are approved, the panel could bring them to the full House the week of Dec. 14, although aides cautioned that the schedule was subject to change.

His aides cautioned today that they were still counting checks.

One aide cautioned that it was still possible that Mr. Dole had settled on someone whose name has not been mentioned publicly.

However, the aide cautioned that the outcome was not a foregone conclusion.

Mr. Bush's aides cautioned reporters before the war that even the best plans would have to be rewritten on the ground.

Weeks earlier, aides had cautioned Mr. Booker that it was dangerously naïve to ignore Mr. McCarthy's race.

But aides to Mr. Pataki and legislative leaders cautioned that some details still had to be worked out before the final budget is submitted for the approval of rank-and-file members.