41.   Now, at an unconscionably early date on the calendar, the nominating process is essentially over.

42.   Only a handful of party members are concerned about the nominating process, he said.

43.   Perhaps the least-known of the challengers, he stands the best chance of surviving the nominating process because he is wealthy.

44.   Party loyalists blamed the low return rate on confusion and other problems with the nominating process.

45.   Over eight days, voters in two small states with a remarkable lack of diversity in their populations will set the tone for the nominating process.

46.   Pleas from a number of states for a waiver to vote earlier, and thereby gain more influence in the nominating process, have been repeatedly rejected.

47.   Several states had moved up their primaries, thinking an early date would enhance theirclout in the nominating process.

48.   Several states leapfrogged one another, scheduling their contests earlier than in the past, in an effort to have more influence on the nominating process.

49.   Since then there has been eternal tinkering, especially by Democrats who are far more likely than Republicans to dictate details of the nominating process to states.

50.   Still, Republicans are moving aggressively to wrest control of the nominating process from the president.