The findings became the subject of an extraordinarily bitter medical and public dispute after they were disclosed at a scientific meeting of the American Heart Association in March.

Ms. Richards, the state treasurer, defeated Jim Mattox, the attorney general, for the Democratic nomination for Governor after an extraordinarily bitter primary campaign.

Not even the election of Mr. Foley as the 49th Speaker provided respite from the extraordinarily bitter mood that has reigned in the House this year.

Other experts said the high percentage reflected the high level of fear in the electorate after an extraordinarily bitter campaign.

Four years ago, after an extraordinarily bitter and divisive primary to choose a successor to George C. Wallace, Democrats lost control of the governor's office here for the first time since 1874.

Before he could get to that vote, Mr. Mitchell had to fight his way through what had become an extraordinarily bitter floor debate.

"I feel extraordinarily bitter; I'm filled with rage," he said.

It was an extraordinarily bitter day that seemed to relive the cultural wars of the 1960's and 1970's and a quarter-century of grudges between the two political parties.

Just seven weeks after the close of an extraordinarily bitter Presidential campaign, many Democratic lawmakers speak of President-elect Bush with elaborate courtesy .

Mr. Koch ultimately won the vote, but only by the narrowest of margins and after a dramatic and extraordinarily bitter battle.