21.   The race appeared to turn on several factors.

22.   The race appears close.

23.   The race for lieutenant governor appeared headed to the wire Tuesday night as Republican Rick Perry carried a narrow lead over Democrat John Sharp in early ballot counts.

24.   The Senate race would appear to be an uphill contest for Franks.

25.   The two races for Congress appear to be the closest that Washington has seen in the last quarter-century.

26.   This race appears headed to the final day.

27.   Other mask sellers said the race appears closer.

28.   Eleven races appear competitive, a high number that means Democrats can take over, but only if things break their way.

29.   Lacking a major gaffe by either candidate, or any defining moment, the race appears likely to remain excruciatingly close.

30.   Now, the race appears over even as it formally gets under way.