1.   In the event the only other contender was Enoch Powell- and he was a late starter.

2.   And Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah repeatedly said he was the only contender who could steer a sweeping tax cut through Congress.

3.   Annan is the only contender who has more than nine votes.

4.   Bush and Mrs. Dole, who lead the Republican field in the early polls, were the only contenders who declined to be interviewed to discuss their positions.

5.   Bush is the only other contender who is thinking about eschewing spending limits.

6.   Bush is not the only GOP contender courting Californians.

7.   Houston is taking a small gamble because the Houston Rockets will be the only playoff contender with room under the salary cap to sign him to a lucrative deal.

8.   It made Congaree not only a contender for the Derby, but one of the favorites.

9.   It is hardly the only contender.