The deadline for Democrats to file as delegate candidates is Feb. 25.

The 21 others seem secure, because in seven districts the Bush campaign has succeeded in challenging the validity of opposing delegate candidates.

The names of at least 1,000 enrolled Republicans must appear on nominating petitions for each delegate candidate.

The Presidential candidates then have five days to approve or veto the prospective delegate candidates.

The next step in the Democratic process is the collection of at least 1,000 signatures of enrolled Democrats for each delegate candidate.

The delegate candidates must express their preferences to the state committee between Jan. 1 and 20.

The delegate candidates with the greatest vote will be elected as long as the successful delegates are equally divided between men and women.

Most of the delegate candidates are spending little if any money on their campaigns.

But some split their tickets, picking delegate candidates from more than one slate.

Each delegate candidate needs 1,250 signatures of enrolled Republicans to qualify for the primary ballot.