1.   The regime was given strong backing by the Soviet Union but failed to gain widespread popular support.

2.   They again offered strong economic backing for reforms.

3.   BNFL and the nuclear industry in general received some strong backing in two recent publications -- and from the pen of two influential people.

4.   It is fortunate in having strong backing from several prominent schools in America and Europe.

5.   Although Pauken, an anti-abortion Roman Catholic, has strong backing from Christian conservatives, he has resisted efforts to purge more moderate Republicans from the party.

6.   American and Saudi officials said they believed that a peace initiative with strong international backing will undermine resistance to compromise and peace.

7.   Ammiano is an unrelenting champion of gay rights, tenant causes, business taxation and environmental protection with the strong backing of many union members.

8.   And Gore, with all his stiffness and his current inability to articulate a clear message, will have the strong backing of organized labor.

9.   And, unlike any modern vice president, he has the strong backing of his president in the primary contest.

10.   Armey, whose district includes the northeast corner of Tarrant County, had strong backing from Rep. Joe Barton of Ennis and Rep. Kay Granger of Fort Worth.