But Mr. Kerry's aides maintain that the advertisements did not make the difference.

The governor's aides maintain he has not timed these grants to coincide with the election.

Top aides to the Governor maintain that they are scrupulous about separating campaign work from the business of running the state.

On one level, his aides maintained, Mr. Dinkins was right.

His aides have maintained that President Clinton was overly involved in the day-to-day effort of the peace process, ultimately to its detriment.

But Mr. Dole and his aides have always maintained that the advertisements were never authorized.

Yet the governor's aides maintain that he is not bluffing.

Mr. Dole's aides maintain that the candidate remains convinced that he will win this election.

Despite speculation that he might leave the political party, his aides have maintained that he will remain as a member.

Ms. Ferraro's aides maintain that money would not be an issue if she remains strong in the polls.