Everyone present knew that Gore's greatest campaign vulnerability is his denial of prior knowledge about illegal fund-raising.

The Republican majority painted a picture of frenzied and illegal Democratic fund-raising in 1996, carried out to support a television advertising campaign of unprecedented cost.

In the late 1990's police in New York became aware of illegal fund-raising by at least three such organizations.

But from the perspective of the New York police, the illegal fund-raising appeared blatant.

"He is just trying to distract attention from the fact that his brother served time for illegal fund-raising on his behalf."

He later worked as a $20,000-a-month consultant to groups linked to illegal fund-raising for the Nicaraguan rebels, the contras.

Mr. Carey denies any knowledge of or participation in illegal fund-raising.

Reno Justice let Huang off with a fine and probation for his millions in illegal fund-raising.

But in the final weeks of the campaign the sorry tale of questionable and at times illegal fund-raising on behalf of the President had taken hold.

There has never been much doubt that illegal fund-raising took place at the temple.