And since the recession has bitten harder in the conservative rural areas that are traditionally party strongholds, those voters are not feeling as friendly as they otherwise might.

Before the Iraq War, it was a Ba'ath party stronghold and a major source of officers for the Iraqi Army.

Pittsburgh was a Republican party stronghold until 1932.

As in other onetime party strongholds, professional Communists have been dusting off their diplomas and turning to the labor market, some using political connections to feather new nests for themselves.

Particularly painful was the loss of Milan, Berlusconi's hometown and party stronghold.

Party unity, admittedly never a strong point in Democratic Party politics, has broken down in Essex and Hudson Counties, vital party strongholds.

Massachusetts and Connecticut were the party strongholds.

Nuremberg remained a party stronghold, and the first Nuremberg Rally was held there in 1927.

Mr. Corzine spent most of the day campaigning in traditional party strongholds.

Democratic candidates did not want to be seen defending the President or even standing near him, except in a few party strongholds.