1.   The candidates have been trying to lift voters out of their lassitude.

2.   The candidate tried to avoid discussing his views on the thorny issue of abortion.

3.   Among observations about voters at that time was that no matter how much candidates tried to discuss the issues, voters tended to evaluate the candidates more as personalities.

4.   And both candidates are trying to make waves with proposals that emphasize their ideological differences.

5.   And in many cases, the candidates are trying to duck out of the way.

6.   At the rally, sponsored by the Christian Coalition, the candidates tried to top each other in praise for Christian conservative family values.

7.   At times, it has been easy to divine what the candidates were trying to say with their props.

8.   Because members of parliament are immune from prosecution, some candidates are clearly trying to get elected for personal protection.

9.   Both candidates are trying, with the language they use and the issues they choose, to court waitress moms and soccer moms.

10.   Both candidates have also tried to make their case with the public by proceeding with assembling their administrations.