11.   During his senior year in high school, Fryman nearly accepted appointment to the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y.

12.   He accepted an appointment to the National Council on the Arts instead.

13.   He accepted an appointment to teach at the University of Kansas City, a private college, now part of the University of Missouri.

14.   He dropped out as a pre-medical student at the University of Colorado to accept an appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

15.   He was a visiting professor of New World studies at the University of Virginia when he accepted his appointment to the Harrison chair.

16.   His widow, Jean, has said that if her husband wins the election, she will accept an appointment to take the seat.

17.   If so respected a figure accepted the appointment, Senate Republicans would be hard put to oppose his confirmation on any but blatantly political grounds.

18.   If you cannot handle that pressure, better reconsider accepting the appointment.

19.   In an extended conference call with the board Thursday, he stopped short of saying he would accept the appointment.

20.   Indeed, friends said Thompson agonized over accepting an appointment from Bush.