11.   The bond rating firm cited increased competition, higher spending and debt, though analyst Ernest P. Perez said he does not believe the tribe has overextended itself.

12.   Bouchard said most of his meetings during the two-day visit to New York and northern US states will be with financial rating firms and potential investors.

13.   David Blitzer, chief economist for the financial rating firm, said the further easing of interest rates is needed to prevent a downturn in economic growth.

14.   S and P and other rating firms had already labeled that plan a technical default because bond holders were to get less than promised.