He yanked it out at the last minute, telling angry Republicans that the money would not be forthcoming.

And as he takes on a higher political profile, it is hard to tell who is happier, Republicans or Democrats.

He told Republicans in the Assembly that he would soon offer a new plan.

And the mayor's staff even told Republicans before the convention that he would not be working as a surrogate for the president during the week.

"She promised to veto a broadbased tax," he told Republicans at a party picnic.

President Bush has told Republicans not to count on him to veto a campaign finance bill.

They exchanged smiles, for reasons that they could never tell these earnest Republicans.

He was telling Republicans to let the President keep the inevitable blame for himself.

I tell Republicans that the way to campaign is to bypass union leaders and go directly to the membership.