1.   Although there is little sign that the mayoral contest has stirred much interest, perceptions about the candidates, if indistinct ones, are beginning to come together.

2.   And with money still pouring in for the two candidates, the campaign is likely to be the most expensive mayoral contest in San Francisco history.

3.   Beyond the mayoral contest, the Nationalist Party reasserted itself across much of Taiwan.

4.   But it was the mayoral contest, considered too close to call, that captivated the country.

5.   But many voters say the mayoral contest shines in comparison to the gubernatorial race, which has been typified by negative tactics and bizarre advertising.

6.   But with the mayoral contest won, he now apparently feels comfortable revealing his rarely seen slothful side.

7.   Incumbent candidates held the day, taking one governorship and four big-city mayoral contests.

8.   Indeed, he and his lieutenants are approaching the race with the zeal of workers in a major mayoral contest.

9.   Of lesser national interest are dozens of other mayoral contests, from Philadelphia to Houston to Baltimore, where the incumbents were heavily favored.

10.   Surveys of voters leaving the polls showed the PAN winning the governorship and all five mayoral contests, including the one in Tijuana.