UNITED THEY STAND: HOUSTON LEADERS SPEARHEAD ARENA PUSH

          The "improbable but potent pairing of energy titans Ken
     Lay and Don Jordan, fierce competitors who at times have
     refused to speak to one another, has ignited" the campaign
     to approve a new downtown arena in Houston, according to
     Eric Berger of the HOUSTON CHRONICLE.  While "no one well
     known or with money has stepped forward to actively oppose
     the arena," almost $3M "has been pledged to the pro-arena
     campaign.  In some form, even the old deal's most virulent
     opponents have endorsed the deal."  Enron Chair & CEO Ken
     Lay, on the campaign: "I feel optimistic, but I do not feel
     complacent."  Berger adds that the "smooth campaign kickoff"
     Thursday was made "amid a much different buzz" than last
     year, with leaders "now looking for reasons to support
     rather than oppose the deal" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 9/15).