And a party spokeswoman became nervous when it was pointed out that 90 percent of the rooms in the hotel offer a view of the site.

"We felt the timing was appropriate," said Ginny Terzano, a party spokeswoman.

"The fundamental issue is the issue of democracy in our electoral process," said Madeline Chapman, a party spokeswoman.

"My sense is that they have," said Mary Crawford, a party spokeswoman.

Asked about this, Leslie Goodman, a party spokeswoman, said she had no comment.

A party spokeswoman said the breakfast was abandoned to avoid any appearance of impropriety.

The 73-year-old former chancellor left in a storm touched off by his decision to name a young Greek woman as party spokeswoman.

"From a budgetary standpoint and from the standpoint of voter interest, we felt at a disadvantage," said a party spokeswoman.

'We can't read what most of them say,' muttered a party spokeswoman.

Sheila Camerer, a party spokeswoman, said the statements were shocking.