51.   The race became a contest not so much over who would do the job best as who needed it most.

52.   The race became a dogfight between Montoya and Franchitti, yet Montoya never relinquished his lead.

53.   The race became a referendum on credibility, not just tax cuts, according to Forbes.

54.   The race could fast become a two-man contest.

55.   The race officially became a sellout two weeks ago.

56.   The Sasser-Frist race long ago became devoid of substance.

57.   The race became a battleground between the pro-environment urban moderates and liberals and conservative business leaders.

58.   The race becomes compact, and easy fractions can turn into vicious ones.

59.   The race could become a four-way contest if Tom Scott, a leader of an anti-income tax group, successfully petitions to get on the ballot.

60.   The race has become a nationally televised advertisement for Long Beach, which scored points as a revitalized tourist destination under blue, sunny skies.