The ethics committee's members typically decline to discuss their inquiries or even to say when they meet.

The members declined the offer, and many of the members retired in the 1950s.

The two other members of the panel declined to comment.

"Our members cannot decline to take patients to the hospital of their choice," he said.

High-ranking members of the Giuliani administration declined to comment yesterday.

Why, then, did the members decline to add Carnegie Hall's name to the letter?

This is a random selection process ultimately based on when a spot becomes available or if a member declines a position.

Most Republican members of the committee declined to attend.

Numerous members of Congress throughout history have also declined to list an official religion, including 10 current representatives.

Other members of Commentary's staff declined to talk about the situation.