31.   His alliance lost some clout at regional elections in April and May, and Berlusconi had to tone down hopes of early elections as quickly as possible.

32.   Also Monday, Paris, traditionally a key player in Africa, brushed off domestic allegations that it was losing its clout in Africa to the United States.

33.   While her show is losing its clout to newcomers, Winfrey remains wildly popular.

34.   Karadzic, who appears to have lost considerable clout lately, tried to reassure the population during a tour of Serb-held parts of northern Bosnia on Sunday.