Ms. Godoff's associates argued that she was being judged against unfair standards because of the risky nature of hardcover publishing.

His associates argue, however, that it is money well spent when put in the context of the sheik's global vision for Dubai.

Some associates of Mr. Abbas argued that he wound up looking tough, for having held on to Mr. Dahlan.

Mrs. Clinton's aides and associates have argued that her deal falls within the Senate guidelines and that the $8 million advance she is receiving simply represents the fair market value of her book.

However, in the 1890s, Plekhanov, Lenin and their associates argued that capitalism in Russia must follow essentially the same course as capitalist development in Western Europe.

Another associate of Presley's, John O'Grady, argued that the bodyguards were dropped because their rough treatment of fans had prompted too many lawsuits.

Mr. Cuomo's associates also argue that his public comments about the race represent just a small segment of his involvement.

Yet Mr. Abbas and his associates also argued that Israel had never made the bold concessions called for in the peace plan, like freezing the growth of settlements, that would have strengthened him.

After the President lied to the American people, the President's associates argued that the allegations against the President were false and even scurrilous.

Mr. Nofziger's associates argue that the White House was not geared up to fully explain the application of the new law at the time Mr. Nofziger resigned.