11.   The deletion of the school provision makes passage of the reform package a near certainty, despite the loud Democratic criticism of other parts of the package.

12.   The near certainty that a Republican will win a gubernatorial race.

13.   The near certainty that the U.S. trade deficit will be driven sharply higher by the economic crisis sweeping through Asia has profound economic and political implications.

14.   Walker said he would decide by the end of the week whether to sue the administration and suggested that such a move was a near certainty.

15.   What once seemed to be a near certainty is no longer the case.

16.   Best said Willie Ofahengaue had recovered well from an Achilles problem and was a near certainty to be passed fit on Friday.

17.   Now that victory at the Tour de France is a near certainty, Lance Armstrong can ponder the reasons for his triumph.

18.   Olivetti disputes this interpretation of Italian law, making a court battle a near certainty under this outcome.

19.   Romario is a near certainty, but Bebeto depends on an OK from his Deportivo La Coruna club of Spain.

20.   That step would be a near certainty if the effort cleared the Senate because every state except Vermont has passed resolutions urging Congress to approve the amendment.