1.   Two candidates had withdrawn from the contest.

2.   Two candidates had withdrawn from the contest, leaving him as sole contender.

3.   Another candidate withdrew because he was uncomfortable with the cancer theme.

4.   As luck would have it, that candidate withdrew, and Iverson was given the job over the phone.

5.   At the last minute, all other candidates withdrew from the ballot in protest.

6.   After several conservative white candidates withdrew from the race, William Jefferson, another black congressman with strong ties to the Democratic establishment, was persuaded to drop out.

7.   Indeed, six candidates withdrew at the last minute before the election Thursday over accusations of fraud.

8.   On Tuesday, two more potential candidates for chancellor withdrew from consideration, with one citing the latest tensions as her reason.

9.   The presidential candidates have mostly withdrawn from New Hampshire this week to concentrate on the battle for Iowa.