1.   As many post-speech commentators observed, the possible Gore succession was a major Clinton subtext.

2.   A man whose possible succession as a Mafia leader reportedly helped spark a bloody mob war was acquitted Monday of murder and racketeering charges stemming from the violence.

3.   Like many Arkansans, Huckabee apparently never believed the jury would convict Tucker and did little planning for a possible succession.

4.   He placed first among five possible succession candidates.

5.   In Brussels, Danish Foreign Minister Niels Helveg Petersen had no comment on the fate of Claes or a possible succession by Ellemann-Jensen.

6.   Marulanda appeared vigorous, but his age has provoked speculation about possible succession struggles within the FARC after he dies.

7.   Shiite Muslims around the world on Wednesday mourned the death of their spiritual leader, but clerics were bracing themselves for a possible succession battle with Iran.

8.   Juncker, too, had at one time been mooted as a possible succession candidate but said earlier this year that he had flatly refused such an offer.