The measure would lift ballot requirements that serve only to discourage challengers, like the rule that only people residing in a district may witness petitions.

Mr. Veteran's domination of Greenburgh politics had discouraged challengers for more than a decade.

The measure would have lifted ballot requirements that serve only to discourage challengers, and allowed candidates in "substantial compliance" to remain.

Council members seeking re-election usually have a built-in edge in name recognition and fund-raising that can discourage potential challengers.

"It was clear from the outset that there was a hostile political climate that discouraged political challengers," he said.

Others were raising money for 2008, hoping that a fat campaign war chest would discourage serious challengers.

Max's goal is to bring his revenue numbers up, to discourage challengers in 2008.

Republicans resist limits, arguing that they discourage challengers.

Mr. Bush's approval ratings may not have broken the Congressional wing of the party, but they seem to have discouraged potential challengers.

But money in the bank early helps candidates discourage potential challengers and gives them time to develop a broader pool of contributors.