As counterintuitive as it may seem, even bruising primaries can be helpful, particularly for relatively inexperienced candidates embarking on difficult challenges.

Previously, it had been thought an impossible task for an inexperienced candidate to oust a senior lawmaker, particularly one who wore the title of "Speaker."

The second one was used after the NDP's surge in the opinion polls making reference to the fact they never formed a government and have relatively inexperienced candidates.

He has attacked Mrs. McCarthy for opposing the death penalty and has depicted her as an inexperienced candidate running a one-issue campaign.

When she applied to the civic authorities for a position in the city's music schools, she was told there were no local openings for inexperienced candidates.

If there is a problem it's at quarterback where three inexperienced candidates are struggling.

Vice President Bush, in his first major action as the presidential nominee, out from Ronald Reagan's shadow, seemed to use poor judgment in choosing an inexperienced candidate.

Isn't this understandable with an inexperienced candidate, you may well ask.

The former mayor's big lead vanished, and the nomination went to Bill Simon, an inexperienced candidate whose conservatism put him well out of the California mainstream.

Europeans, who feel their own fates are at stake in American elections, continuously complain that the system permits the sudden emergence of virtually unknown or inexperienced candidates.