Most gun owners are more concerned about the economy and Iraq this year than gun control, the aides contend.

The Governor's aides contend that the bill might have helped.

Later, the Mayor's aides contended that his policies had helped all the city's residents, including blacks.

The recession and the city's budget strains make such a wage increase impossible, the Mayor and his aides contend.

Mr. Pataki's aides contend that the corporation, which was dissolved in November, raised about $600,000.

Mayoral aides contend that they have fundamentally reshaped several city agencies, including the probation department, and consolidated others.

But Mr. Pataki's aides and supporters contend that he is simply being a good soldier trying to help his party.

But the aides contended that the state's action should, at the very least, send a message to Washington that there were deficiencies in the federal law.

The Governor's aides contend that recipients with minor ailments should seek help at clinics or doctors' offices, not emergency rooms.

Mr. Bush and his aides contend that Iraq was the more urgent threat, in a volatile neighborhood.