The first blank requires something that means ranged. The clue is the two very different beliefs described— that women’s votes would be the opposite of their husbands’, or that the votes would be the same and therefore “redundant.” The idiom “ran the gamut” gets this across (much like the expression “from A to Z”). Though similar-sounding, “ran the gauntlet” means withstood an attack from all sides. “Held the line” has many meanings, some figurative and others more literal, but often is used to mean “imposed a limit.” In the second blank, “ape” means mimic or copy, agreeing with “making their votes redundant.” “Override” (cancel or negate) agrees with “cancel out their husbands’ votes” but the second claim should be in contrast with the first. “Disclaim” means deny, which doesn’t agree with “redundant.” “While once,” signals that the third blank requires something that goes against “convincing.” Meaning mediocre or of poor quality, “shabby” fits. It can describe clothes or furniture, but is often used metaphorically (such as in the expression “not too shabby,” which can describe any job well done). “Ponderous” (awkward or dull) does not oppose “convincing,” and “cogent” is actually a synonym for “convincing.”