1.   After the interviews we had to admit there was nothing to choose between the two candidates.

2.   Because the other candidates had surrendered Texas to Gramm, none had major campaign organizations in the state.

3.   Holding him back, say political observers and the other candidates, is the narrow focus of his appeal.

4.   Polls show the gap between the two candidates has narrowed.

5.   She has the same qualifications as the other candidates, but has one big disadvantage - lack of experience.

6.   The other candidates lacked the requisite skills.

7.   The two candidates are fairly evenly matched.

8.   The two candidates responded to the question in exactly the same way.

9.   The uncertainty manifests itself above all in the volatile perceptions of the two candidates.