HOW BADLY DID THE GOP WANT THE MEDICARE BILL?

"Media reports have alleged that an undisclosed Republican told Rep. Nick Smith (news, bio, voting record), R-Mich., that if he voted for the bill, business interests would contribute $100,000 to help his son, Brad, succeed him. Smith is not seeking re-election in 2004. His son is one of several Republican candidates running for the seat.

" 'Not only was this bribe offered to a member of Congress, it was offered on the floor of the House of Representatives by another member of Congress,' McAuliffe wrote Ashcroft."

Smith now denies the money was offered.