But the strategic thrust of the Republican effort boils down to this: Why pick a fight with Mr. Schumer, a tough and well-financed political brawler?

Even at newyorker.com, one commentator described Newt as "a gifted speaker, a quick wit, and a battle-hardened political brawler."

Whatever Gingrich's merits or demerits as a leader, administrator, and Presidential candidate may be, he is a gifted speaker, a quick wit, and a battle-hardened political brawler.

Mr. Armey, who is 6 feet 3 inches tall, gravelly voiced and usually scowling, has cultivated a reputation as a political brawler.

But even before he was sworn in, Mr. Lautenberg had already begun to gain a reputation as a political brawler.

Houston questioned Burnet's honesty, accusing him of taking a $250,000 bribe from Santa Anna and calling him a 'political brawler' and a 'canting hypocrite.'

Although he describes himself as "impatient, abrupt, someone who doesn't suffer fools gladly," Dr. Owen has never been a political brawler.

Mr. Giuliani was a pugilist in a city of political brawlers.

That tactic reduced Paul Tsongas to just another political brawler.

His decision to take on Sharpe James, a canny, up-from-the-streets political brawler who had never lost an election, could have ended his political career.