The racing association argues privately that the $46.8 million it owes the investment fund need not, or cannot, be repaid.

Many portfolio managers privately argue that Congress should make cuts "across the board."

The Democrats privately argue that the Republicans had far more money and much greater access to staffs.

Some have been arguing privately that they should simply let the Republicans hurt themselves politically and be blamed by the public for a long trial.

However, Thornwell was privately arguing in support of Strong and was outvoted.

Once the emergency abated, he said, he argued privately within the Administration to limit how long immigrants were detained.

And even some Democrats argue privately that a filibuster fight would not be worth it.

Others argue privately that without strong Western leadership, such causes will be drowned out by more urgent geopolitical priorities.

Ahead of the 1997 election, Brown argued privately for a 50p top rate of tax, but was beaten back.

Some privately argue that such a move could save time and taxpayer money in an investigation likely to drag on for years and cost millions.