1.   It also tested the popularity of a half-dozen public officials and radio call-in hosts.

2.   They still commission polls to test the popularity of new ideas.

3.   Large crowds gathered in Kuruwita as parties filed nomination papers for local government elections that will test the popularity of the government of President Chandrika Kumaratunga.

4.   Little more than a year after its massive landslide to power, the ruling St. Lucia Labour Party will have its popularity tested in a by-election.

5.   The election will test the popularity of Zacatecas Gov. Ricardo Monreal, a presidential candidate with the center-left Democratic Revolution Party, who is backing Bermudez.

6.   The elections will also test the popularity of Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi, who has made an economic turnaround the pillar of his administration.

7.   The government is testing the popularity of its economic policies, while opposition parties are looking for possible coalition partners.

8.   His first opportunity to test his popularity will be Saturday at Alzano Lombardo near Milan, where he is to hold an election meeting.

9.   A South African man decided to test his popularity with friends and loved ones by showing up at a mock funeral service on Saturday in a casket.

10.   The opposition leader said that he believed the government wanted to go for a mid-term election to test its popularity.