1.   Burton, the Palm Beach circuit court judge, insisted that he had remained impartial during the recount and planned on maintaining that stance in court.

2.   But he maintains his stance.

3.   But the public stance must be maintained.

4.   Curtis maintains that stance though his chances of playing time were reduced when the Rangers acquired switch-hitting designated hitter David Segui.

5.   He maintained that stance on Thursday.

6.   If Arafat maintains this stance, it is not clear what will happen.

7.   It dug in its heels, maintaining its stance that the two are totally separate matters.

8.   Kerrigan, who in recent days has insisted he has given the matter no thought, could no longer maintain that stance after his meetings with Port and Lucchino.

9.   Maintaining this stance can be exhausting.

10.   While U.S. rates could still rise, Bank of Japan Governor Yasuo Matsushita said yesterday the central bank will maintain its stance of keeping rates low.