Resistance to the coup d'état was most strongly present in the normally republican regions, again suggesting continuity.

Mr. Halpin, perhaps a little embarrassed by his normally Republican supporters, made the point that unions also were well represented at his fund-raiser.

As the Democrats continued to make inroads in these normally Republican states, the former would be assured control of the House for the next three decades.

"The normally Republican suburban areas near here were unusually good to the Clinton-Gore ticket in 1992," he said, "and I hope they will be in 1996."

He also campaigned in some normally Republican states, as well as in areas with large Catholic populations.

A number of the state's normally Republican business leaders very publicly endorsed Mr. Warner, as did a former Republican governor, Linwood Holton.

Two years ago, Nita Lowey won the normally Republican 20th District in Westchester County by a narrow margin.

And only a year before he faces re-election, Mr. James is beginning to alienate the state's normally Republican business leaders.

In the end, Kenneth wins easily in the normally Republican district.

Although Obama did not win other normally Republican states such as Georgia and Montana (which were won by Bill Clinton in 1992), he nonetheless was competitive in both.