But Perry's loyal backers are running into resistance from Republican donors.

For decades, the charity was supported by endowments and contributions from a group of loyal backers.

"We have loyal backers who believe in the business and see the enormous potential of this medium and who have been with us from the beginning."

He is a loyal backer of the Bush-Quayle ticket, of course, and he tells audiences that "Dan's a serious guy who works hard."

He has some powerful and loyal backers.

No matter how well he did, Mr. Jackson would peel away the support of black voters, who are among the more loyal Democratic backers.

Relying on networks of loyal, grass-roots backers based in churches, he captured 34 percent of the vote and immediately emerged as a national leader of religious conservatives.

Earl Williamson was personally close to the Longs as well as a loyal political backer.

The appeals don't come just from loyal backers.

His victory demonstrated that his support extends beyond his loyal backers in the unions, the city work force and the Democratic establishment.