In a debate here on Jan. 8, Mr. Bradley declined to answer directly when his rival criticized his vote on a bill of consequence to farmers.

Mr. Gephardt's rivals quickly criticized his remarks.

But rivals, consumer groups and Mr. Copps criticized the decision as anticompetitive.

His rivals and many civic groups have criticized this, but he counters that the public opposes taxpayer-financed campaigns.

Yet rivals of the Li family have criticized the project because it was awarded to Pacific Century by the Hong Kong government in a back-room deal.

Even so, two mayoral rivals criticized the Mayor before he could announce his action.

In the party race, Mr. Mitzna's rivals also criticized him as inexperienced and gaffe-prone.

Even while rivals have criticized Mr. Murdoch, they have ended up emulating him.

As in their debate on Tuesday, Ms. Gotbaum's rivals criticized her energy and accomplishments.

For weeks, the two senators had declined to state their positions, but they issued statements after rivals - and liberal groups - criticized their silence.