11.   Speculation had swirled for months over whether Ventura would seek re-election, with even his closest aides being quoted as clueless in articles appearing last weekend.

12.   Speculation has swirled for months that GEC would announce the sale of its venture with Alcatel Alsthom of France or the GPT venture with Siemens AG of Germany.

13.   Speculation swirled about several other senators, as well.

14.   Speculation swirled about whether the veteran civil rights activist would get a speaking slot and whether he would criticize the Clinton Administration or veering too far to the right.

15.   Speculation has been swirling since the team was sold in late March that no one would be safe after Fox took over.

16.   Speculation has swirled around Hambrecht since its two leading competitors were taken over last summer.

17.   Speculation has swirled for months that British Aerospace and Daimler-Benz Aerospace, or Dasa, were talking about a merger.

18.   While speculation swirled around Belichick, the Patriots lost tight ends coach Michael Pope to the Redskins but made an important rehiring in strength and conditioning coach Johnny Parker.

19.   As speculation swirled about the overhaul, investors sent DaimlerChrysler shares falling.

20.   Speculation has swirled since the Monica Lewinsky scandal that couple might split up when the president leaves office.