51.   A federal appeals court on Friday struck down a federal law limiting how much political parties can spend to back candidates.

52.   A majority backed candidates seeking more democracy.

53.   A self-described conservative, Gonzalez said he backs any candidate he thinks can win, regardless of ideology.

54.   Aides to Obasanjo, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the president planned to back another candidate in the elections.

55.   An independent candidate backed by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party won a mayoral election in an eastern Tokyo suburb Sunday, defeating the incumbent seeking a fifth term.

56.   And conservative groups that backed Republican candidates may demand actions if the result could hurt the Republican Party with moderate constituencies.

57.   Another candidate backed by Cheney, former Sen. Dan Coats of Indiana, is seen as the leading candidate for defense secretary.

58.   And the state tends to back establishment candidates.

59.   Berlusconi is also backing a candidate in the race for Palermo provincial president, Francesco Museotto, who has been accused of mob ties.

60.   But close behind Hu are as many as a dozen other potential candidates backed by influential leaders.