21.   Another possible candidate, Rep. Howard McKeon of California, decided not to enter the race and threw his support to Armey.

22.   As for Lazio, when he first entered the race, several Democrats warned that he posed a more serious threat to Clinton than Giuliani did.

23.   As he enters the race, the doubts about his viability have faded away.

24.   As he prepares now to formally enter the race, McCain acknowledged that he and the rest of the field trail Texas Gov. George W. Bush in the polls.

25.   Asked the same question when she entered the race last week, she again retreated behind the uxorious veil.

26.   Asked about the possibility of backing the popular Powell should he enter the race as a Republican, the governor was less enthusiastic.

27.   At the start of the year, advisers to Gore boasted that they had discouraged other Democrats from entering the race.

28.   Barbour did not directly encourage Powell to enter the race, but he spoke warmly about him.

29.   Backed by union leaders, students, peasant organizations and Indian groups, Tunubala entered the race for governor as an independent just two months before election day.

30.   Before that announcement, Ray had been traveling New Jersey for months, speaking with Republican leaders about entering the race.