To preserve that edge, they are looking for an issue to use to distinguish themselves from their Democratic rivals.

He may have scared off Democratic rivals by quickly amassing a $20-plus million war chest.

For one thing, he would be far behind his Democratic rivals in raising money.

Two of his Democratic rivals did just that, without mentioning him by name.

She also told her husband that his attacks on his Democratic rival were too harsh.

His Democratic rivals for president are hardly heard on the subject.

Now both Republican and Democratic rivals know he can be defeated.

The governor is far outstripping his Democratic rivals in fund-raising.

He won a closer than expected re-election in 2003 against a weak Democratic rival, and his administration started to experience problems.

He has a formidable lead in the polls, no primary opposition so far and three times the campaign money raised by his closest Democratic rival.