But so are lobbyists, now that the health care business spends more to gain influence in Washington, D.

FORBES: Your Health Care Dollars At Work

But yesterday I read this excellent package from the New York Times opinion pages that asks How Can Women Gain Influence In Hollywood?

FORBES: 'The Expendables 2' Should Top The Box Office, Women Everywhere Sigh Heavily

By becoming a major Dell backer, Microsoft could gain more influence in the design of the devices running on a radically redesigned version of Windows that was released in late October.

NPR: Dell To Go Private In $24.4B Deal Led By Founder

By increasing its investment in Greece and its infrastructure, the Chinese will gain significant influence over the country, its vital industries and its trade.

FORBES: Chinese Bearing Gifts

China is in a state where entrepreneurs' major desire is to gain influence and wealth.

BBC: Q&A: Where will China's innovators come from?

And he can, in co-operation with the borough, influence how the planning gain will be spent.

ECONOMIST: Local government: The mayor's new friend | The

Though a fiery speech by Mr Assad last week warned Israel of danger if it did not make peace, it is arguable that Syria has more to lose than to gain, if peace reduces its leverage over America in Iraq and over Israel through its influence on Hamas and Hizbullah.

ECONOMIST: Israel

Mr. Byers earlier this year landed himself in hot water when he boasted to an undercover reporter that he could make introductions and gain influence for a fee.

FORBES: Politics, U.K. Style