1.   But public spending means more government, just when both parties are advocating less.

2.   Even stocks would stand to benefit, because less government spending would mean less government demand for capital and a lower cost of money for everyone, including companies.

3.   Less government spending would mean less government borrowing, which would eventually leave more funds available for businesses to borrow, and at lower interest rates.

4.   Lower government spending means fewer road and bridge improvements, he said.

5.   Meanwhile, less spending also means less consumer debt.

6.   Yet the extra spending meant to stimulate growth begins to run out this summer.

7.   Berlusconi has recently said that increased defense spending would not mean tax increases, but rather a shifting of resources between ministers.

8.   Zhu, known for his no-nonsense style, insisted government spending should not mean waste, particularly on shoddy construction and factories that produce goods with no market.