While several Democratic candidates had prepared to enter the race, the field nearly cleared once Kennedy announced his candidacy.

In Manchester, the largest city, the campaigns have retreated to their headquarters and the candidate are preparing for victory or defeat.

Both candidates have been preparing intensely this week for the debate, studying voting records and role playing in practice sessions.

A group called "Elect Jersey 2005" worked to assist some independent candidates prepare for the elections.

Stanford University recently strengthened its program to help candidates prepare for the interviews that determine the winners.

As the Republican Presidential candidates prepare for their first debate tonight, one of the five has been using a not-so-secret weapon.

The other mayoral candidates are preparing issue papers on education, their spokesmen said.

He said if candidates prepared for a long haul, they would spend more carefully.

Both candidates should prepare themselves to accept a count based on that process without further litigation.

Already, there are indications that the candidates are preparing strong attacks on each other.