But states are scrambling to get in the front of the line because everyone wants his vote to be important to the final outcome.

The state has been scrambling to secure $170 million needed to replace the entire viaduct.

Because no executions had been expected in coming months, the state scrambled to figure out where and how they would carry out Mr. Martini's sentence.

But the state and the counties are still scrambling to catch up with the dizzying rises of the 1980's.

In another boom factor as the recession-wounded states scrambled for revenue, Iowa started riverboat gambling only two years ago with two modest operations.

Now, the city and state are scrambling to lure the investment bank back downtown.

The rule does not cover buses, but states are scrambling to replace dirty vehicles of any size.

If Congress reduces the welfare authorization, the city and state will be scrambling to pay for those programs.

So many states have been scrambling to impose new layers of standardized tests on students, as well as on prospective teachers.

The state athletic commissions are scrambling - belatedly, always belatedly - to come up with annual blood workups for every boxer.