1.   By most calculations, Dole had clinched the nomination a week ago, when he swept four Midwest primaries.

2.   With enough delegates already in hand to clinch the nomination, the immediate importance of the primary has been vastly diminished.

3.   Although Buchanan has vowed to fight to the end, Dole is now poised to clinch the nomination next week in California.

4.   Both states are essential proving grounds on the road to clinching the nomination.

5.   Buchanan said he expected Dole to clinch the nomination in the next week.

6.   Bush also needs to clinch the nomination.

7.   But he truly clinched the nomination when he swept the South.

8.   But the campaign is taking a glimpse beyond clinching the nomination.

9.   Eikenberry wrote then, just days before Dole clinched the nomination.

10.   Having clinched their nominations, Bush and Gore turned their attention to each other.