Speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk about the matter, several advisers blamed the controversy in part on her chief consultant, Joseph C. Mercurio, who oversees campaign material and initially defended the doctored photo.

Now, management blames its advisers, and the advisers blame each other and management, and everybody blames a changing financial world where credit, for some reason, is no longer as easy as it used to be.

Some juice industry executives and advisers blame an overworked staff at the F.D.A., which must meet its vast mandate on a budget smaller than those of many big hospitals.

Charles III's advisers blamed the riots as a plot organized by the Jesuits.

With a loss, he would have himself and his advisers to blame, said Mark J. Rozell, a political science professor at George Mason University.

Mrs. Clinton's advisers readily blame the wobbly beginnings of her campaign, her political mistakes of the fall.

The adviser blamed Republicans on the Hill for "not taking anything up" this year.

In general the West Midlands advisers who responded to the survey did not blame managers for the lack of funds, but nor did they appear optimistic that more money would materialise.

Mr. Santorum's advisers blame the national climate for his difficulties; in a state like Pennsylvania, which often leans Democratic, the plummeting popularity of President Bush and the Republican-led Congress was bound to hit hard.

Politicians and their advisers blame the news media in part for legitimating and aiding attacks over private behavior, treating people in politics more like Hollywood celebrities in a quest for ratings and readers.