For months, Democratic leaders in New York had hoped for an early conclusion to the mayoral primary, thus avoiding a divisive and protracted contest that could debilitate their nominee and guarantee Rudolph W. Giuliani's re-election.

The protracted contest to decide who should lead the party has been good for Labour in many ways.

Mr. Bush also said the close race in Florida, and the protracted contest of the election results, showed the need for standardizing voting procedures.

The only other clear winners from a protracted contest would be both firms' lawyers.

He was High Sheriff of Cornwall in 1788-89, and on 10 July 1790 was elected as one of the knights of the shire for Cornwall , "after a severe and protracted contest".

The disputed proxy cards may be only a footnote in an already protracted contest.

Mr. Dismukes said there could be a protracted legal contest if no settlement was reached and the governor felt compelled to carry through on her ultimatum.

The second protracted 1975 contest involved the Oklahoma seat to which Republican Henry Bellmon was seeking reelection.

Mr. Fischer briefly served as the fund's top official last year while the United States, Germany and several other European nations waged a protracted and sometimes bitter diplomatic contest over who would serve in the top post.

Without it, the protracted contest for the presidency will have proved hollow.