Both Clarkes were strong supporters of Dr. Eugene, which proved to be crucial endorsements.

According to people close to both Cuomos, Mario also participated in locking up Andrew's most crucial endorsement, that of the big health care union 1199/S.

One was Mr. Koch's own bitter split from Mr. Giuliani, to whom he provided a crucial endorsement in 1993.

Although Rosa was positioned to make a potentially crucial endorsement for the second round, he declined to do so.

The parliamentary commission will deliver its preliminary findings on Friday but without that crucial endorsement.

He studied economics in Budapest as well as in London, and his candidacy as an independent won the crucial endorsement of the Communists.

The appointment went instead to Paul Valenti, after a crucial endorsement from councillor George Mammoliti.

To repair this damage, Mr. da Silva has won crucial endorsements from center-left rivals.

It was Mr. Holder who delivered a lukewarm but crucial endorsement of the pardon in the waning hours of the Clinton presidency.

But Mr. Thomas received a crucial endorsement.