1.   The Republican victories came despite a last-ditch effort by the president to help Democratic candidates.

2.   This is the time when the gardeners come out... despite the wind and the rain.

3.   His unusual decision to clear the hostile bid came despite a recommendation for an MMC investigation by the Director General of Fair Trading, Sir Bryan Carsberg.

4.   And fans come despite obvious hassles.

5.   And his victory came despite the fact that Nebot carried Quito and Guayaquil, the traditional centers of power.

6.   And the announcement comes despite a predicted increase in revenues for the period.

7.   And the poor performance comes despite continued strong demand from the United States, Europe and China.

8.   And they come despite the assignment of thousands of welfare recipients to sweep the streets in return for their benefits.

9.   And those gains have come despite the fact that inflation has not exactly taken off.

10.   Asian visitors to some specialized Canadian sights are driven by dreams and will come despite economic conditions.