21.   But most observers expect the board to pick about a half dozen names that will be rolled out next spring.

22.   But most observers expect the main competition will come from BofA, Wells Fargo and Union.

23.   But most observers expect them to finish behind Penn State, Michigan and Ohio State.

24.   But observers expect other companies will give swapping a try.

25.   But Jennifer McVeigh remains close to her brother, and some courthouse observers expect her to cast her testimony in the least damaging light.

26.   But observers expect it to happen.

27.   But, perhaps paradoxically, those observers expected the newcomers would do little to alter the courts.

28.   By the time Republicans wrap up in the Golden State, most political observers expect the nomination to have been effectively decided.

29.   By then, many observers expect at least one more rate cut.

30.   Court observers expected a quick decision, given that each state must certify its slate of presidential electors by Tuesday if it hopes to avoid congressional review.