1.   That massive government spending has helped the construction industry survive the downturn.

2.   But not all spending helps all candidates equally.

3.   In the past, government spending helped trim inventories.

4.   That spending has helped the country avoid recession, since consumer spending accounts for two-thirds of all economic activity.

5.   The company expressed concern about the Japanese economy but hopes new public spending will help sales.

6.   The government spending helps bring new drugs to the public.

7.   Their increased spending has helped make the economy boom.

8.   Though the spending could help Merrill compete more effectively against rivals, it could also hurt profits if stock and bond markets slump, analysts said.