One, Dolly Doyle, a Carey supporter, said she liked the change.

Cammack, a former Carey supporter, has moved to Hoffa's camp.

Though the courts, under the settlement agreement, have thrown out more than 100 corrupt union officials during the past two years, most of the top officials who remain aren't Carey supporters.

Some Carey supporters predicted this was a step toward disqualifying Mr. Hoffa from the rerun election.

In a voice vote, preceeding a head count, Hoffa supporters appeared unified in their opposition and the Carey supporters split.

Another woman, a Carey supporter, shouted, "I want recognition!

Throughout the campaign, Carey supporters have asserted that some powerful local leaders who are close to Mr. Hoffa have ties to organized crime.

Already, some former Carey supporters, wanting to be on the winning side, have endorsed Hoffa.

Several high-ranking Carey supporters now back Mr. Hoffa.

Many Carey supporters are backing Mr. Leedham.