1.   He disavowed any interest in being a gay rights advocate, saying his performance in Congress should not be judged on his sexual orientation.

2.   On the Republican side, the roll call often begins with Ridge, in part because Gen. Colin Powell has repeatedly disavowed any interest.

3.   Ovitz was the clear front runner for the job, after Barry Diller, the former head of Fox Inc., disavowed any interest.

4.   But despite his star power in the Republican Party, he disavowed interest in partisan politics and in the job.

5.   But despite his star power in the Republican Party, he disavowed interest in partisan politics and in the presidency.