"Right now, over there in that drawer I can take out, without exaggerating, six different proposed models, some with constitutional reforms, some without, " Penchyna, a senator from Mexico's eastern Hidalgo state and former national PRI spokesman, said in an interview this week.

MSN: Sweeping Mexico energy reform may stumble in Congress

PRI's national leader, Roberto Madrazo, in his quest to be the party's candidate in 2006.

ECONOMIST: Something for everyone in an important state election

PRI's first national primary election, in which 8m Mexicans voted last Sunday, marks an innovation, and another welcome step in Mexico's tortuous evolution to democracy.

ECONOMIST: Slow change for Mexico

Nearly 5, 000 members of the Institutional Revolutionary Party, also known as the PRI, voted unanimously at their national convention to remove language in the party's platform that for years had opposed injecting private money in the sector.

NPR: Mexico's Ruling Party Says 'Yes' To Energy Reform

Pena Nieto has made other changes that haven't drawn the fanfare, but have potentially far-reaching consequences for the power of the president, a once-imperial role during PRI rule that was weakened after the National Action Party won the presidency 12 years ago and ushered in a more democratic Mexico.

NPR: Mexico's President Gathers Power, Pushes Reform

Before 2000, under the PRI, crime groups prospered, but the national government ultimately called the shots.

NEWYORKER: The Kingpins

Slim helped build his fortune when he bought Mexico's failing national telephone company at a bargain-basement price from a PRI government.

NPR: Mexico's President Gathers Power, Pushes Reform

Leftist parties accuse the PRI of being in league with Calderon's conservative National Action Party (PAN), and they hope to pick up disgruntled voters in coming elections.

MSN: Analysis: Mexican labor reform signals battles ahead for Pena Nieto - World news - Americas | NBC News