(Democratic officials counter that the list is misleading because it includes candidates who never seriously thought about running.)

The Charlton time-wasting was truly catastrophic, but the officials could've easily countered this by adding on plenty of time, and they didn't.

Japanese officials counter it is unrealistic to expect Japanese companies to establish research centers in Europe so soon.

Iraqi officials counter that their goal is not easing sanctions, but rather ending the embargo.

Republican officials counter that the Kerry camp is rewriting history.

Mexican officials counter that the older cards are being phased out as people renew their cards.

American officials countered that they preferred concrete programs to the deadlines and targets under negotiation.

Israeli officials counter that Israel needs Jewish bodies if it is to survive as a nation state at war with its neighbors.

American officials countered that the structure was a military command center.

Orchestra players and officials countered that the symphony was an easy target for budget cuts compared with powerful labor unions, which would battle over salaries.