11.   But Starr and his aides have said that they would follow Justice Department guidelines that discourage seeking indictments as an election nears.

12.   But White House officials said the inquiry had become a politically motivated attempt, directed by House Speaker Newt Gingrich, to embarrass Clinton as the presidential election nears.

13.   Consistency and common sense are often in short supply as an election nears.

14.   Gore officials, meanwhile, have said the interest in Nader is a fluke that will dissipate as the November election nears.

15.   In practice, increases are often delayed in the face of opposition from consumers or when elections are near.

16.   In the past two general elections, Conservatives have narrowed the gap with Labour as the election nears.

17.   Jamieson said it was impossible to gauge whether the commercial has had any effect on what candidates are putting on television as the election nears.

18.   Still, as the elections neared, Havel made clear his aim.

19.   Why did Obuchi temporarily suspend unpopular tax payments for a national nursing care system just as elections are nearing, Hatoyama asked.

20.   A once-ambitious opposition movement wants to prevent that -- but has become increasingly demoralized as the election nears.