The two candidates were equally popular. 'Needless to say' [='of course, obviously'], the election was very close.
the 'needlessness' of his death
a 'needless' death
(..) ...but he was here on set and he was doing all the off lines. It was not to be, but comfort yourselves with the thought... ...that you will die a needless and painful death... ...here in the Misty Mountains. No doubt some Dwarf minstrel will turn the whole sorry episode... (..)2012 The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey