At least six have laid out plausible cases for why they could finish first, which suggests that this could end up the most competitive primary of 2004.

Mr. Wooten is not the only candidate bringing significant heft and resources to this highly competitive Democratic primary.

His retirement resulted in competitive primaries in both parties.

Here are our choices in three very competitive Democratic primaries for City Council seats in the Bronx.

And in addition to the several competitive Congressional primaries, there are a number of races to watch in the State Legislature.

He won a competitive Democratic primary for the seat vacated by Lawrence F. Feloney, followed by a win in the November general election.

They point to the first competitive primary that nominated Mr. Labastida as proof of a new PRI.

The debate was relentlessly civil, a striking development given the fact that the candidates are five days away from the most competitive Democratic primary here since 1992.

They founded the organization to support candidates in competitive open-seat primaries and help general election candidates run effective campaigns.

There were also competitive primaries for borough president in every borough except Manhattan.