Senator Packwood spoke to his colleagues at the Republicans' private weekly luncheon as the Senate reconvened after the summer recess.

Both the certificate and pin is presented to each of the honorees during a private luncheon the day of the public presentation.

"We had to ask permission to let him in - it was a private luncheon," said John Philis, a co-owner.

Privileges range from prominent recognition in the Playbill to private luncheons.

And some has come from his own actions, including his presence at a long private luncheon in 1983 attended by a reputed Mafia associate.

The evidence he adduces for this claim is Acheson's tough talk on China at private luncheons after Acheson was out of office.

After the service, Mr. Bush held a private luncheon at the Governor's Mansion and then attended an inaugural parade downtown.

That was Nancy's doing, but it does not justify assuming private luncheons to be matinees.

White House officials said the controversy was been discussed at the private luncheon after the presentations.