Related Clues:

• Before all else
• Foremost partner
• Due date for many bills
• Winning position
• Before anything else
• Paramount
• "___ of Old Smoky . . ."
• Opposite of 36-Across
• Ahead of the rest
• Leading the field
• Carrying the day
• Enjoying an advantage
• 'For starters ...'
• Who's base
• Who's there, in a bit