41.   Political scientists believe he may be the most popular governor in the nation.

42.   Rep. Michael N. Castle, a popular former governor, said that he had decided to back Dole about an hour before voting.

43.   Republican candidates traveling with Bush are eager to be seen with the popular governor.

44.   She is the widow of a popular former governor.

45.   Still, Richards has been a very popular governor.

46.   State law prohibits Allen from seeking a second four-year term, but the popular governor has given a lift to Gilmore by actively campaigning for him.

47.   Texas Gov. George W. Bush, who unseated a popular female governor two years ago, believes the gap can be closed with the right message.

48.   The departure of the popular Republican governor would also make a run easier for Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy II, who is the favorite for the Democratic nomination.

49.   The DNC underwrites the out-of-state travel and the Gore campaign encourages out-of-state reporters to interview the handful of Texas Democratic officials willing to criticize the popular governor.

50.   The group would be hard pressed to support McGreevey over Whitman, a popular governor who may be most vulnerable on environmental issues.