21.   Although latest predictions showed Cavaco Silva closing the gap, Sampaio was still the favorite, especially after two other leftist candidates withdrew and endorsed him.

22.   Although latest predictions showed Cavaco Silva closing the gap, Sampaio was still the favorite, especially after two other leftist candidates withdrew from the race and endorsed him.

23.   Anglade had hoped to win by garnering enough votes from supporters of the ruling Gaullist party, whose candidate withdrew after a poor showing in the first round.

24.   And what if just before election day some candidates withdraw or are replaced, slide down or up?

25.   An official with the Islah party in Ibb said five Islah candidates withdrew Tuesday on claims of vote tampering.

26.   Anglade had hoped to win by garnering enough votes from supporters of the ruling conservative coalition, whose candidate withdrew after a poor showing in the first round.

27.   Another possible candidate withdrew from consideration.

28.   Begin was talked out of his candidacy by other nationalists a day before the election after two other candidates withdrew and endorsed Barak.

29.   Bush won the support of about three-fourths of the religious right after more conservative candidates withdrew from the race.

30.   But a leading candidate withdrew from the race Saturday.