41.   Instead, Boston College and College of Charleston, S.C., are the strong contenders.

42.   Instead, Smith said, Alabama emerged as a strong contender early on because of issues such as its climate, transportation network and large pool of available workers.

43.   It splits the opposition vote with another strong contender, the business-oriented National Action Party.

44.   It is virtually unheard of in sports competition among the disabled to disqualify a strong contender like Fang.

45.   Kansas City is about to enter the playoffs and is considered a strong contender to make the Super Bowl.

46.   Last year around this time, there were still wide-open races in the top categories because there were so many truly strong contenders.

47.   Kemp was believed to be a strong contender.

48.   Kerry is considered a strong contender, especially with his Vietnam war record, the consultant said.

49.   Lisa Arce hopes to make the beach volleyball team, Armando Ayala is a strong contender for the shooting team.