The race is pitting a Democrat, Edward G. Rendell, against Republican Mike Fisher.

The race pitted incumbent Republican Senator Rod Grams against Minnesota State Auditor Mark Dayton.

The race pitted all certified candidates against one another in each district, regardless of party.

The treasurer's race pitted Thomas Ravenel, a young millionaire and emerging politician, against Grady Patterson, a nine-term incumbent who did not face primary opposition.

Each race pitted two cyclists against each other in the best-of-three races.

And so the race pitted two Yoruba candidates against each other, General Obasanjo and Olu Falae, a former Finance Minister.

Two modern races, in 1992 and 2000, pitted governors against Washington insiders, the candidates barely acquaintances.

The race again pitted Brooks against Stewart.

The race pitted Harvey Gantt, the first black Mayor of Charlotte, against a man who tends to appeal to the lowest human instincts in his quest for votes.

They also noted that several primary races this year pitted reform candidates against old-line courthouse politicians and urban interests against the growing influence of the suburbs.