1.  Business groups say that makes the state less competitive economically, and they have long pushed for a freer energy market.

2.  In a close election, a running mate should be able to help win those competitive states.

3.  In Illinois, one of the few really competitive states with many Hispanics, they have a powerful habit of voting Democratic already.

4.  Maryland officials are convinced that the move is necessary, given the increasingly competitive state of college basketball.

5.  Several governors and party strategists said they could not remember an instance in presidential politics where the roster of competitive states actually grew this late in the season.

6.  The group will also be training organizers to work in the most competitive states.

7.  Bush was traveling through California this week, before heading to Oregon and Washington - competitive states where Gore should be strong.

8.  Bush was traveling through California this week, before heading to Oregon and Washington -- competitive states where Gore should be strong.

9.  Democrats said they are already making tough choices to conserve resources for the most competitive states.