In Japan's highly structured economic and financial system, Tokyo directs the banks, which own influential blocs of stock in Japan's principal exporting corporations.

An influential bloc of Christian conservative leaders have backed Rick Santorum, the former Pennsylvania senator, as their choice in the Republican presidential race.

Indeed, the famous influential demographic bloc known as "yuppies" has never known what peace is or how hard it can be to support a $350,000 condo and a $35,000 European car in a peace economy.

Fierce Lobbying Within State Within the state, pressure was brought to bear by influential blocs affected by the new tax, including news organizations and lawyers.

The teachers' union, with 120,000 members, including retirees, represents an influential bloc of voters and an important source of campaign contributions for both Democrats and Republicans.

In the State Senate, the eight Long Island Republicans, an influential bloc, are likely to oppose the bill.

Its largest and influential bloc is known as "JUI(F)" which is led by powerful cleric Fazal-ur-Rehman.

At one point, members who said they believed their economic and professional interests were threatened by a small but influential bloc of high-energy physicists considered forming an independent association.

Tucker had the support of the city's black ministers, one of the most influential political blocs, and the business community.

And with the Irish vote seen as an influential bloc, it is not surprising they and many others holding elective office, or wishing to, set out to prove green is one of their favorite colors.