1.   State politics ends up as a perennial battle between squabbling regions for scarce resources.

2.   Aside from its perennial battle to open up the Japanese market to U.S. goods, Washington wants a flourishing Europe that will offer greater trade opportunties for American manufacturers.

3.   Budget negotiators likened the hospital debate to the perennial battle over state aid to schools, where legislators fiercely work to protect their local districts.

4.   Debate on that measure and whatever energy package Bush brings to Capitol Hill is expected to overshadow electricity deregulation, a perennial political battle in Congress.

5.   SENATE DROPS MILEAGE REQUIREMENT In the perennial battle between environmentalists and the automobile industry, the Senate backed the industry.

6.   Two miles away, Leonard Crafts is getting ready for his perennial battle with his lawn.

7.   Days of relentless rain have triggered flooding in eastern and northern Netherlands, forcing the Dutch to fight their perennial battle to stave off floodwaters.

8.   Days of relentless rain have triggered flooding in the eastern and northern Netherlands, forcing the Dutch to fight their perennial battle to stave off floodwaters.

9.   Napoli too will have to face their perennial battle in overcoming the bank manager and surviving in the top echelon somehow.