31.   Independent voters, who often control the outcome of close contests, are particularly dissatisfied.

32.   It was a sign that the close contest in New Hampshire was coming down to the wire, and that Bush was pulling out many of the stops.

33.   Its success in offending few and presenting itself as an alternative to standard political parties could prove crucial in close contests.

34.   More important, the character of the policy debate points to a close contest.

35.   Never before have Mexicans faced a such a close contest under an election agency with enhanced powers to ensure an accurate tally.

36.   Now she finds herself matched in close contest against a candidate who can claim the diversity banner for himself as a Chinese American.

37.   Now, no one seems to know what will happen -- except that there are more close contests than in any election in decades.

38.   Obviously, they thrive on close contests.

39.   No one had expected a particularly close contest in the Fifth District in central Pennsylvania, a mountainous domain that includes State College, Bradford and Oil City.

40.   Now, no one seems to know what will happen, except that there are more close contests than in any election in decades.