1.   Along with its swelling population, California has been gaining political clout that could be used to increase its Colorado River entitlement.

2.   And he has gained the clout to move stocks.

3.   And Sportmart, which was purchased by sporting goods retailer Gart and already competes with Sport Chalet in Southern California, has gained clout thanks to the merger.

4.   As Seattle demonstrated, unions and environmental groups have gained enormous clout in trade debates, and they promise to wield it.

5.   As tourist trains gain clout in Colorado, small towns often bend to a new breed of rail barons.

6.   As the theater chains grow in size and gain more clout, some analysts say they may try to alter the way they split revenue with the studios.

7.   By combining, the drugstore chains can squeeze out costs and gain clout in negotiating with health maintenance organizations.

8.   Chetta has gained political clout by forswearing the military option, and he struts proudly on the public stage.

9.   Evidently to gain more clout in the negotiations, Netanyahu has allowed hints to drop that he might consider inviting the Labor Party to join him.

10.   Fertilizer industry acquisitions and mergers are picking up as companies combine to gain international clout and withstand industry slumps.