And a key constituency may be getting a big pass amid the hand-wringing: consumers.
The aura of success allows campaigns to recruit donors, talent, endorsements and key constituency groups.
Ms. Keaney had access to organized labor, a key constituency for any mayoral contender.
Unlike General Boykin, they did not have the backing of conservative Christians, a key constituency for Mr. Bush's re-election.
And he may be more inclined to stroke a key constituency -- the high-tech industry -- rather than labor.
Rocketing food prices and poor economic management have sapped the president's popular support in rural areas, a key constituency.
One key constituency is the 16 council members who are not scheduled to be forced out of office.
Believing themselves the key constituency that had guaranteed Reagan's historic win in 1980, Christian conservatives felt the president owed them for their enthusiastic backing.
Today's oligarchs are state-approved, and they know they can lose everything if they step out of line, but they remain a key constituency in determining Russia's future.
Vote No has identified women aged between 25 and 35, who are broadly supportive of Europe but worry about the constitution, as a key constituency.
This fall, the Republican nominee probably will not be trumpeting this extreme agenda in trying to appeal to moderate women voters, a key constituency in the general election.
