The pact also caused a sharp split among Democrats, which could have repercussions in the party's presidential primary in 2004.

The decision today came after a sharp split in the Administration.

There was a sharp split among Republicans.

The decision appeared also to reflect a sharp split between Republicans in the House and Senate.

But there is a growing consensus among political experts that his demeanor alienated enough women to accelerate a sharp split between male and female voters.

Surveys of labor economists have found a sharp split on the minimum wage.

There does not seem to be such a sharp split among economists.

There was a sharp split somewhere over my head.

Mr. Gates himself will have to resolve a sharp split within the intelligence community.

Now, the party appears to be headed for a sharp split over the constitutional accord.