11.   The dueling fund-raisers reflect the extent to which the Texas contest has become a proxy war for the next presidential campaign.

12.   The home run contest has become the most attractive event the day before the All-Star Game, and Monday was no exception, even if McGwire disappointed his fans.

13.   The Iowa contest became a make-or-break test for Gramm after his poor showing Tuesday in Louisiana, where he suffered a humiliating loss to conservative commentator Patrick Buchanan.

14.   The more personal and belligerent the contest becomes, of course, the greater the potential damage to the eventual victor.

15.   The more personal and belligerent the contest becomes, the greater the potential damage to the eventual victor.

16.   These contests are becoming commonplace during halftimes of championships and all-star games, giving sponsors the opportunity for a windfall of publicity at a relatively low price.

17.   These contests have become, in effect, the trade shows of classical music.

18.   While many issues distinguish the two candidates, the contest has become increasingly personal, with both sides running negative television advertisements.

19.   Beauty contests have become common in Indian towns and cities, while schools and colleges increasingly host events where Western pop and rock is a must.