Exhibit 12

COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

(In Thousands, Except Ratios)

	Twelve months		Twelve months		Twelve months		Nine months		Nine months
	Ended		Ended		Ended		Ended		Ended
	September 30,		December 31,		December 31,		September 30,		September 30,
	2008		2007		2006		2008		2007
Earnings: (1)
Net income (2)	$	117,282	$	106,506	$	91,377	$	80,389	$	69,613
Income taxes		74,537		66,741		47,691		49,582		41,786
Equity in (income) losses of equity investees, net of distributions		-		-		-		-		-
Fixed Charges (See below) (3)		81,637		81,145		78,345		59,793		59,301
Less:  Preferred stock dividend		-		-		-		-		-
Total adjusted earnings	$	273,456	$	254,392	$	217,413	$	189,764	$	170,700
Fixed charges: (3)
Total interest expense	$	81,376	$	80,576	$	77,538	$	59,558	$	58,758
Interest component of rents		261		569		807		235		543
Preferred stock dividend		-		-		-		-		-
Total fixed charges	$	81,637	$	81,145	$	78,345	$	59,793	$	59,301
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges		3.3		3.1		2.8		3.2		2.9

1.    For the purposes of computing these ratios, earnings consist of pretax net income before income (losses) from equity investees, fixed charges, and less preferred stock dividends of a consolidated subsidiary.

2.    Net income, as defined, is before preferred stock dividend requirement of subsidiary and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle.

3.    Fixed charges consist of total interest, amortization of debt discount, premium and expense, the estimated portion of interest implicit in rentals, and preferred stock dividends of a consolidated subsidiary.