Mirabelli became an early contender for quotation of the year when he was asked whether he had ever been in a police car before.

The early contenders, officials said, also include several people from within the city school system.

Orlando, Florida, which had been an early contender to host the 2008 game, was eliminated from consideration before the meetings took place.

At any rate, those are the early contenders.

Intentional or early contender for typo of the year?

One early contender was the city of Charlotte, North Carolina.

The Fighting Irish are an early contender for the national championship.

An early dark-horse contender has emerged in this year's race for film awards.

Green is an early contender for coach of the year, and his Vikings seem ready for almost any challenge - on or off the field.

Consider this an early contender for best country album of the year.