In the new spirit of partnership, there were also benefits on offer from contractors.

"We have gotten so much cooperation, from contractors, suppliers, people who just want to help," he said.

He was also demanding payments from contractors that wanted to sell goods to Iraq.

Its customers range from large national contractors to local independents.

Senior officials said they have again proposed stripping away the union's protection from outside contractors.

The bids from contractors started coming in, with not one under $40,000, and some topping $50,000.

The Bush administration has moved in recent weeks to place as many as 850,000 government jobs up for competition from private contractors.

He also received significant financial help from contractors who do business with the city.

Almost all the key advances in defence have come from contractors.

Action committees would not be allowed to raise money from lobbyists and contractors.