But they were once fierce and, like others with turf to defend, held a vital stake in battles and weapons.

The public has a vital stake in natural resources, Jim, such as iron ore.

The Iraqis do, and have a vital stake in the outcome.

When you own something you have a vital stake in the future of the United States of America.

Call me naïve, but I thought all Americans have a vital stake in the nation's future, regardless of how much property they own.

And not only Russians: Westerners, too, have a vital stake in Russia's political fortunes and need to think about that country's course as we enter a new century.

But the facts that Acosta is trained in the law and has a vital stake here make it necessary for him to participate.

Many people have a vital stake in whether Judge Lance A. Ito allows the O. J. Simpson trial to be televised.

Americans with vital economic and psychological stakes in the cold war were furious and terrified by ominous signs that the cold war might be over.

Two years ago, Mr. Kerry again rallied on behalf of Verizon, helping the company with an issue in which it had a vital stake.