1.   Balancing the budget was always a fundamental element of the contract, but it assumed greater prominence as the year evolved.

2.   An attractive, charismatic lad, Richard assumes some prominence himself, scores with Francoise and Sal and experiments with feverishly delusional visions of empowerment.

3.   Gov. George W. Bush has fought back, and the result is that religious skirmishing has assumed a prominence that many voters find disturbing.

4.   In a city where corporate founders and builders always outrank corporate climbers, Annette, more than compensating for his social unease, helped him to assume prominence.

5.   The dispute comes at a time when disabled consumers have assumed increased prominence in campaigns.

6.   The growing recognition of these differences may help explain why viticultural areas are assuming more prominence.

7.   Relations with Africa have assumed greater prominence following the severing of ties with South Africa last year when that country recognized China.