In recent years, with the passing of the generation that came of age during the New Deal and formed lasting Democratic identities, Republicans have made important inroads.

Since few polls have been taken in the race and several candidates are said to have made important inroads, there is no clear front-runner.

Since 2000 important inroads have been made by companies offering higher price ceiling fans with more decorative value.

Although it was not completely favorable in its ruling, the case made an important inroad for desegregation cases to come.

In last week's election, Democrats made important inroads into the Republican control of Nassau County for the first time in 75 years.

"For me, the arts are an important inroad into a language."

Mr. de Souza called the vote a "significant, important inroad toward serious reform."

I think it's a very important inroad to understanding consciousness.

Despite its eighth-place standing among Internet brands in Russia, Google has made important inroads in recent years.

Nevertheless, he said that Lifebeat was making important inroads in the industry, especially among nonexecutives.