31.  The smaller states would start first.

32.  The United States, for its part, is sometimes seen as exploiting the weaknesses of smaller states to enhance its own power.

33.  The United States maintains forces across the Persian Gulf, from Saudi Arabia to smaller states like Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar.

34.  They say it forces candidates to pay attention to smaller states and that it avoids the prospect of a messy national recount.

35.  Until Tuesday, the presidential campaign had been conducted in the smaller states of Iowa, New Hampshire, Delaware, and South Carolina.

36.  Persson welcomed the expansion of the EU to include Eastern European members and warned that smaller states must not be overrun by larger ones.

37.  A growing number of people believe war may split country into several smaller states.

38.  Among the few Republicans who supported the idea of re-examining the Electoral College, many said any change must protect the smaller states.

39.  As warring camps form alliances with neighboring countries that reflect political and cultural ties, the Balkanization of Congo into a web of smaller states may become a reality.

40.  Bush plans to erect a shield against attack by smaller states with fledgling missile capabilities and by terrorist groups.