The anger of Senate Democrats also highlighted the challenge facing Republicans: to get a final bill through the House without destroying the bipartisan coalition that wrote the Senate bill.

As for Mr. Gore, he will face Congressional Republicans who see him as another act in an administration they abhor.

The concerns expressed over the direction of foreign policy also highlight some of the pitfalls facing Republicans as they head toward the November elections with national security front and center.

Although Mr. Gingrich resigned as speaker late last year, he is part of the problem facing Republicans in the 2000 campaign.

Many of the obstacles facing Republicans were on display in Honolulu.

The legalization idea faces stiff opposition from anti-immigrant groups and influential Republicans in Congress.

Even Mr. Nicholson's most enthusiastic backers were mindful of the problems facing him and Republicans.

The post-election job facing Republicans - whatever the outcome next month - will be to shore up a new coalition to run their Senate caucus.

Mr. Hastert faced considerable pressure from Catholic Republicans, and Republicans from predominantly Catholic districts, to resolve the lingering conflict.

A memo two years ago from Larry Hugick of the Gallup Organization examined nine general elections where black Democrats faced white Republicans.