1.   Behind-the-scenes assistance came from influential figures in politics and the arts, including U. S. Sen.

2.   But administration officials and other sources now concede that Alispahic remains an influential figure with close ties to Izetbegovic.

3.   Within the political in-crowd are some extremely influential figures.

4.   This is the position of the British scholar, John Burton, an influential figure in the creation of the modern discipline of international relations.

5.   Macmillan was reinforced in this view by expressions of sympathy from other leading Americans, and especially from influential figures in the Pentagon.

6.   Creditably a handful of influential figures are speaking out against the cult of confidentiality.

7.   Former Middlesbrough boss Bruce Rioch was the influential figure behind a double promotion triumph.

8.   Along the way, Alexakis has become an influential figure in the music industry.

9.   An influential figure for over four decades in both the religious life and neighborhood politics of Chicago, Egan exerted an influence that stretched far beyond that city.