October 13, 2002

Race for New Jersey Senate Seat held by Sen Robert Torricelli, who abruptly ended bid for re-election two weeks ago, becomes contest that is less predictable, less expensive and more likely to focus on issues favorable to Democrats who feared his floundering candidacy would cost them single-seat majority; race between former Democratic Sen Frank R Lautenberg and Republican Douglas R Forrester has become very competitive, with polls showing candidates even or Lautenberg with slim lead; Republicans say race has been moved off top tier of contests they have hopes of winning to one that lookes slightly more marginal; Democrats express confidence playing field now favors them in state that has not elected Republican senator in 30 years (M)

Journalists tour industrial plant in Al Furat, Iraq, identified by Pres Bush as one of sites of past nuclear programs being rebuilt by Pres Saddam Hussein and leave with few clues as to plant's real purpose; tour is marked by ambiguities and frustrations; Iraqi officers in charge flatly deny plant has anything to do with nuclear technology, but realities glimpsed by visitors left many with sense that they may have been less than candid; facility described; maps; photo (M)

Oklahoma University defeats Texas University, 35-24; photo (M)

Remembering Sacrifice Firefighters from around the world marched in Manhattan to honor 356 comrades killed in the World Trade Center attack and in other incidents since Oct. 1, 2000. PAGE 35 Angels Take 3-1 Lead The Angels broke open a scoreless game and beat the Twins, 7-1, to take command in the American League playoff series. In the National League, the Cardinals beat the Giants, 5-4, to narrow their deficit to 2 games to 1. SPORTSSUNDAY

Article on Richard Conniff, natural history writer and journalist, who comments on his latest book, The Natural History of the Rich: A Field Guide; photo (M)