(Never mind that the Republicans have not had a mayoral victory since 1947 and have won only a few citywide races in those years.)

Rules that cover citywide races, but not statewide ones, provide for a run-off primary among the top two vote-getters.

But 10 of the seats would be chosen in a citywide race under a system of cumulative voting intended to increase minority representation.

Both are highly competitive and are newcomers to a citywide race.

Currently, no single source may contribute more than $2,750 to Council candidates, or $4,950 to candidates in citywide races.

With a mix of citywide, boroughwide and local races, the 2001 elections are having an impact on the business of political consultants.

She spent only $10,000 on the citywide race and is not well known in the city.

In a city that now has five districts, for example, each citizen would have five votes in a citywide race.

With no citywide or statewide races, and most of the 51 Council races almost pro forma, a low turnout is expected.

But the potential for a problem in any citywide race is negligible.