But on lap three at Ft Worth that changed entirely

government willspend to rescue the economy from a painful recession. The state aid will include extra funds for Medicaid, thestate-federal health-care program for the poor, and New Yorkshould get at least $5 billion of that, Schumer said. That excludes so-called transfer payments, such as SocialSecurity and interest payments, but illustrates the magnitudeof the government sector, the bank said. Paterson said New York sends billions of dollars more intaxes to the federal government than it gets back "This is not a hand-out, it's a hand-back," he said. Paterson is one of five governors leading the quest toinclude education dollars in the national plan.

He also joineda governors bidding for the infrastructure component of theeconomic revival plan. New York has about 1,922 projectsawaiting approval, at a cost of $11.7 billion, he said. This could create around 300,000 jobs, assuming each $1billion of spending prompts employers to hire 33,000 workers,Paterson said. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has noted thatbuilding new roads, bridges, schools and other projects onlycreates construction jobs and will not help people who lostpositions in offices, shops and restaurants (Editing by Dan Grebler) Bonds. After everything that unfolded at Texas last weekend, this coming Sunday's race at Phoenix has taken on a very different tone.Many thought that Jimmie Johnson would possibly wrap up the championship a week early. But on lap three at Ft Worth, that changed entirely.

What was a 184-point deficit has now become 73, and the teams chasing the No. 48 are now within striking distance.How appropriate that the series' next-to-last stop is out west in the desert It will certainly be a fight among the cactus and sand. But this race could have championship implications heading into Homestead.It will be interesting what happens once the green flag flies. So, I'm "Dustin' off" the Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500.Let's look at who will be the favorites and who will be the dark horses for 500 miles. FAVORITES MARK MARTIN You have to figure the odds-on favorite has to be the winner of the spring race at this track.Mark Martin gained a lot of ground at Texas and admitted his team has a good car setup for Phoenix.It was in this race that Martin got his first win for Hendrick Motorsports That set off an unbelievable season for the No 5 team. Five wins, 13 Top Five finishes, and 20 Top Ten finishes later, Martin is right in the thick of the championship hunt.I believe that this race is more important than Homestead because a good run here will give Martin a lot of confidence going into the finale.The No.