They keep some officers in Catalonia to handle terrorism, identity documents, immigration and other limited responsibilities of the central government.

Democrats received higher marks on handling the economy, while Republicans received higher marks on handling terrorism.

"This is a terrible precedent for how to handle state-sponsored terrorism."

His approval rating on handling terrorism, long a central element of his political strength, also remained unchanged at 51 percent.

It was described as an "ingenious solution for handling terrorism in Palestine."

The poll found that 41 percent of respondents thought Republicans were stronger on handling terrorism, compared with 40 percent who named Democrats, a statistically insignificant difference.

Before Labor Day, Republicans had a 42 percent to 34 percent edge on handling terrorism.

A Washington Post poll published yesterday found that 55 percent of Americans like the way Mr. Bush is handling terrorism, up five points in three weeks.

Under Mr. Alito, it carried out major mob prosecutions, and handled several terrorism and fraud cases.