31.  Both were opposed in the primary and were enjoying early leads in their respective races.

32.  A populist candidate, Ronna Romney, is struggling to retain an early lead.

33.  Abiola unexpectedly took an early lead and Babangida, who had been friendly with both candidates, annulled the election.

34.  After an early lead by the secessionists, Quebec federalists appear to have won a majority of the vote, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.

35.  After all, the Red Wings squandered an early lead on Thursday night before coming back.

36.  After Rusedski held serve, Safin struggled to reach deuce and then used a cross-court forehand to take the early set lead.

37.  After taking their early lead, the Kings found out why the Blackhawks decided two-time Vezina Trophy-winning goalie Ed Belfour was expendable.

38.  After the Kings took an early lead on a power-play goal by Luc Robitaille, New Jersey scored the next six, including two by John Madden.

39.  After the Mariners scored two runs in the first inning Friday night, Jamie Moyer was in no mood to give any of the early lead away.

40.  After the early lead, Dreifort experienced those problems by walking Vina on four pitches.