1.   Also, speculation has increased about the future plans of several influential Southerners who have not yet reached retirement age.

2.   And speculation increased that should the court rule against Gore and end the recounts, the vice president would choose to concede rather than appeal.

3.   As its competitors have rushed to merge, speculation has increased that Lycos will have to find a merger or investment partner.

4.   As the list of Republican presidential candidates dwindles, speculation is increasing about whether House Speaker Newt Gingrich will find a way into the race.

5.   As the U.S. Supreme Court nears the end of its term, speculation is increasing that Chief Justice William Rehnquist may retire as early as this summer.

6.   Bentsen has hedged questions about his future plans for several weeks as speculation has increased in Washington that he was ready to call it quits.

7.   Energy issues helped push the market higher as oil prices stabilized and speculation increased that more takeover bids are likely among Calgary-based producers.

8.   Speculation has increased in the past week that the central bank will cut interest rates after its monthly board meeting tomorrow.

9.   Speculation is increasing that the bank may be getting ready to boost interest rates.

10.   Speculation increased that US Airways would not survive.