1.   And record sums are being spent.

2.   But the stakes may now be greater than ever, as Americans pour record sums into the soaring stock market.

3.   For one, they are supposed to stoke the perception that Bush, whose campaign has raised record sums, is the candidate of the well off.

4.   Gramm has raised record sums of money, but he continues to trail Senate Majority Leader Robert J. Dole in the polls.

5.   House freshmen, some of whom raised record sums to get elected in November, are jumping into the fray early, hoping to scare off challengers.

6.   Instead of challenging the Washington money game, the Republicans are scurrying to rake in record sums from special interests.

7.   Mackintosh furniture has since sharply escalated in price, often commanding record sums at auction.

8.   Record sums have been raised by most senators and congressmen and governors.

9.   Record sums that are staggering even by regular tour standards.

10.   The fund-raising comes at a time when investment partnerships such as Warburg Pincus are raising record sums.