So far, he seems to have considerable support, especially among a crucial constituency: his fellow doctors.

This makes Stockton South one of the most crucial constituencies in the coming election.

The gaffe deprived Mr. Riley of a crucial constituency for the referendum.

The report's most crucial constituency, Mr. Litan said, are judges.

But that approach seems unlikely to help him much with his crucial constituency now, perhaps 18 undeclared members of the House.

For the Americans, the tribal leaders and the clerics are crucial constituencies.

Small business is a crucial constituency for the governing Liberal Democratic Party, and lawmakers have often gone to great lengths to help the sector.

He calls the war a political bonanza for President Bush, for whom the white male is a crucial constituency.

But the Dole campaign has also been counting on the loyal and active support of gun owners, who have long been a crucial Republican constituency.

The idea is that while most other demographic segments are largely committed, soccer moms make up a volatile, and hence crucial, constituency.