21.   A new set of attack ads, featuring actor Martin Sheen, began airing last week in Cleveland, Milwaukee and St. Louis.

22.   After weeks of peppering each other with attack ads, the candidates dramatically toned down their approach just days before the election.

23.   Almost killed poor Bob Dole spending millions on attack ads in New Hampshire.

24.   All of the candidates know the truth about attack ads.

25.   Brand remembers how, before soft money and sound bites, before attack ads and tightly scripted conventions, presidential candidates were something to sing about.

26.   Bush officials say McCain started the negative campaigning, and dismiss his decision to unilaterally halt his own attack ads as proof they backfired.

27.   But attacks ads still trail contrast spots, which make a case for the sponsor and against the opponent.

28.   But instead of replacing the vision spot with an attack ad, he offered a harder-edged spot devoted to the issue of free trade agreements.

29.   But Kerry said Thursday he will respond immediately to any attack ads from the governor campaign.

30.   But remember that Castro has never had to worry about re-election, or television attack ads.