Asked about groups that aggressively backed his opponent last year, he said, "I'm not real interested in what they have to say right now."

But union officials who backed her opponent, Charles Ensley, won two-thirds control of the executive board.

Savarese (35-0, 29 knockouts) has yet to fight anyone ranked in the top 10, but he was impressive, backing his opponent into the ropes with combinations.

A candidate with a good issue can even lure away those who back his strident, single-issue opponent.

The 106-pound Carbajal, up against it after two rounds, backed his opponent in the third to advance to the final.

At least he was slowly backing his opponent toward Blade.

The local Chamber of Commerce backed her opponent in 1991 election but endorsed her when she ran again in 1995.

He backed Mwanawasa's main opponent, Michael Sata, in the 2006 presidential election.

"Listen, Alphas," Billy said, turning to look at those behind him, and then at those backing his opponent.

Although he was Berkeley's first black mayor, most black voters backed his opponent.