Calling in political chits he had accumulated during nearly six years of statewide campaigning, he persuaded dozens of leaders in four South Jersey counties to stand by him publicly.

If there are political chits to pick up, Pataki will pick them up.

California would seem to be prime territory for Mr. Giuliani, so this is a big opportunity for him to begin collecting what could be some valuable political chits.

Robert Menendez has begun calling in his political chits.

Ultimately, said Mr. Walsh and other lawmakers, political chits may mean less than whether or not lawmakers believe New York City is most at risk for future attacks.

Mr. Giuliani has been amassing political chits by raising money for candidates in politically important states, like California, Iowa, Michigan and New Jersey.

In part, officials say, this is because no one has the political chits to cash in and undermine senior officials.

After a short stint as chief assistant to the U.S. attorney, he cashed in his political chits to become south Florida's top federal prosecutor.

It's a luxury for a city to have a mayor with more money than he knows what to do with and no need to build up political chits for the future.

He had risen through the ranks and had collected something more valuable than political chits: respect and loyalty.