11.   Gore, however, could afford to lose it, as long as he wins California, where he holds a solid lead.

12.   He once held a solid lead in the Sunshine State, where his brother, Jeb, is governor.

13.   Her prospects depend almost wholly upon those of her running mate, Parris N. Glendening, who holds a solid lead in the polls.

14.   In addition, Bush held a solid lead over McCain with about a third of the votes counted in the Republican primary in Washington state.

15.   In early polls of their Senate race, Weld holds a slim edge among men, but Kerry has a solid lead among women.

16.   Investigators say they have no solid leads or suspects, even after interviewing hundreds of people.

17.   It was the same story in every corner of the country, helping explain how Gore turned a solid lead by Bush into a deadheat race by Labor Day.

18.   Meanwhile, the FBI yearns for solid leads.

19.   Most national polls show Clinton and Vice President Al Gore with a solid lead over Dole and his Republican running mate, former Housing Secretary Jack Kemp.

20.   New England could open a solid lead in the AFC East over the next few weeks as rival Miami faces a daunting schedule.