In particular, today's vote likely will shore up his shaky standing with the powerful conservative element that dominates the Republican nominating process.

Mr. Bossi may perceive the talks as a way to bolster his shaky political standing.

A failed coup attempt against President Kenneth D. Kaunda early this morning appears to have further weakened his political standing, already shaky after three days of rioting.

That morning Arakasi had received a report that the boy had come near to bankrupting the already shaky financial standing of the Kehotara.

Mr. Clinton has needed General Powell's credibility to help buttress his own shaky standing as Commander in Chief.

A failed coup attempt in Zambia has left President Kenneth Kaunda in shaky political standing.

This time, his shaky standing at home was evidenced by the fact that Mr. Gorbachev had delayed his visit by several days because of unspecified Soviet problems.

Some people complained that their trial was politically motivated, an effort by President Kim to boost his own shaky public standing.

After ten minutes or so of confident crawling and shaky standing (the latter accompanied by lusty crows of accomplishment to their parents and to each other), William pulled himself up on the edge of the coffee-table.

But Ford's shaky financial standing means it is not in position to offer any guarantees this year, analysts said.