31.   This has fueled growing speculation that they will pass on Bibby, who seemed certain to be the pick for several weeks.

32.   Opening the debate, Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael countered growing speculation that the government would opt for a compromise to allow the sport to continue with restrictions.

33.   Barak supporters have argued that the growing speculation about such a government is further weakening his campaign.

34.   Boris Yeltsin huddled with top aides at his country residence Tuesday amid growing speculation he may choose a compromise candidate for prime minister to resolve a standoff with parliament.

35.   Boris Yeltsin huddled with top aides at his country residence Tuesday amid growing speculation he may choose a compromise candidate for prime minister to resolve a confrontation with parliament.

36.   But growing speculation about possible dollar-buying intervention by the Bank of Japan was keeping the dollar from falling further, traders said.

37.   But opposition leaders and a growing number of centrist politicians have questioned if Yeltsin can fulfill his duties and there has been growing speculation of possible new elections.

38.   But opposition leaders and a growing number of centrist politicians have questioned if Yeltsin can fulfill his duties and there has been growing speculation about early elections.

39.   Chernomyrdin was referring to growing speculation about the health of Yeltsin, who had to cancel an upcoming trip abroad because of a respiration infection.

40.   DeBakey was called in by the Russian government amid growing speculation that Yeltsin is too ill to withstand an operation.