Whatever the outcome, secession is also proving to be a test for Latinos, who are bitterly split by the issue as they have rarely been before.

Indians on the St. Regis reservation are bitterly split over whether casinos should be allowed there.

Quakers took political control but were bitterly split on the funding of military operations or defenses; finally they relinquished political power.

The last time Florida lawmakers met to consider election law, they split bitterly on partisan lines.

So far, the board is bitterly split along party lines and is poised to wait until the state courts give a final ruling.

The commission has been bitterly split between its remaining two Democratic and two Republican members over who should head the accounting board.

The school board had a two-thirds-vote requirement to choose someone, and was bitterly split over whether the earth was round or flat.

With the country bitterly split, many of them joined those opposing the war.

The contras are bitterly split into two factions.

It was a fight that was finally decided by nine Supreme Court justices, who split bitterly over the issue.