31.   Balladur is scrabbling for second place against Socialist candidate Lionel Jospin.

32.   But they must face run-offs against Socialist candidates on Sunday.

33.   But the corruption scandals have contributed to a sharp drop in the polls, and he now trails the likely Socialist candidate, European Commission president Jacques Delors.

34.   Chirac defeated Socialist candidate Lionel Jospin with populist rhetoric during an arduous grassroots campaign.

35.   Earlier this year, a court convicted Le Pen of physically attacking a Socialist candidate and imposed a sentence that could force him from office.

36.   Even Socialist candidate Lionel Jospin had reservations.

37.   Even the Socialist candidate, Lionel Jospin, had reservations.

38.   Former cabinet member Joaquin Almunia appears the likely choice as Socialist candidate for prime minister, replacing longtime party leader Felipe Gonzalez.

39.   Former Education Minister Lionel Jospin on Saturday became the Socialist candidate in spring presidential elections, winning an overwhelming victory in a primary race that upset the party machine.

40.   Former Education Minister Lionel Jospin looked set to be the Socialist candidate in spring presidential elections despite pressure from within the party to nominate its leader.