51.   But the ability to combine personal purity with the political skills to lead the nation toward larger civic accomplishments has eluded most presidents.

52.   But the Cornhuskers, who led the nation in rushing last season, always find replacements that are just as good.

53.   By no coincidence, Harris County leads the nation in death penalties assessed by a single jurisdiction.

54.   California leads the nation in the number of cremations every year, partly because of its size, according to the Cremation Association of America in Chicago.

55.   California, Texas, Virginia, Colorado, and Georgia led the nation in high-tech job creation.

56.   California has led the nation for a decade in trying to disperse its smog through the use of cleaner fuels.

57.   California leads the nation in the production of fruits and vegetables.

58.   Campbell led the nation en route to winning the Heisman.

59.   Center Todd MacCulloch, a Canadian, has led this nation in field-goal percentage two seasons running.

60.   California leads the nation in the number of voter initiatives on its ballots, followed closely by Colorado and Oregon.