41.   Howland has emerged as a top candidate there.

42.   If DAVID WELLS is not ready to begin the season, Torre said, RAMIRO MENDOZA and WILLIE BANKS are the top candidates to replace him in the rotation.

43.   If he succeeds as president of the commercial airplane division, he will very likely be the top candidate to follow Condit as chairman and chief executive.

44.   If the Clippers fail to hire Karl, top remaining candidates include Lakers assistant coach Kurt Rambis and former San Antonio Spurs coach Bob Hill.

45.   If you become a top candidate for a particular job, you will be thoroughly interviewed and screened by the recruiter before you meet the employer.

46.   If Ma wins in this, his first try at elective office, he will certify himself as a future top candidate.

47.   If rumors of Scotty Bowman leaving the Red Wings after this season prove true, Wilson would be a top candidate in Motown, too.

48.   In a written ballot, committee members placed checks beside the names of their top three candidates.

49.   In addition, there is a possibility Illinois coach Ron Turner could emerge if the top candidates fall through.

50.   In the meantime, though, it can only hearten President Clinton to see the top Republican candidate so cavalierly abused by his own people.