The Governor's bill also tackles a common evasion by local legislatures ruled by lopsided majorities of one political party.

The election was notable not only for the lopsided majority of the winner - 70% - but for the high turnout.

Both chambers passed the initial bills by lopsided majorities, and final passage is considered assured.

They currently have a 96-55 majority in the House, and a less lopsided 19-17 majority in the Senate.

For three decades polls have consistently revealed lopsided majorities - 80 percent-plus - in favor of maintaining or strengthening clean air and water laws.

A number of diplomats said today that given the lopsided majority in favor of the treaty, there will be great pressure on holdouts.

Mr. Menendez is expected to win a lopsided majority of votes from the state's growing Hispanic population.

Republicans control the Legislature by a lopsided majority, 14 seats for them and 5 for the Democrats.

Yesterday the Senate gave the measure, an amendment to an omnibus crime bill, a lopsided majority of 67 to 32.

The three previous Liberal governments since 1993 won lopsided majorities in Parliament.