Definition of affiliation | Bee Dictionary of English

n a social or business relationship
a valuable financial affiliation
n the act of becoming formally connected or joined
welcomed the affiliation of the research center with the university

Just nine states' affiliation changed (from lean Democratic to solid Democratic, for example), with six moving toward the Democrats on the party identification spectrum.
Support by party affiliation, among Democrats: Obama 72, McCain 17.
When reporters asked about his affiliation with Islam, he joked that he was going to have four wives: one to shine his shoes, one to feed him grapes, one to rub oil on his muscles .

There’s a big Kobe Bryant sculpture in China, apparently (Photo)
Kobe Bryant has ranked among the most popular players in the NBA for more than 15 years now, as his legendary scoring prowess, on- and off-court charisma, affiliation with the glamorous Los Angeles Lakers and near-constant exposure to massive audiences … Continue reading ?
June 18, 2013 - Ball Don't Lie via Yahoo! Sports
MaineHealth, NH hospital propose affiliation
The New Hampshire Attorney General's office is reviewing a proposed affiliation agreement between a Conway hospital and the MaineHealth system. If the proposal goes through, MaineHealth will become the ...
June 14, 2013 - Associated Press via Yahoo! News
MaineHealth proposes affiliation with North Conway hospital
CONCORD ? MaineHealth of Portland is proposing an affiliation with Memorial Hospital in North Conway, according to New Hampshire Attorney General Joseph A. Foster.
June 14, 2013 - New Hampshire Union Leader

Michael Bloomberg in Wall Street Journal
Although my plans for the future haven't changed, I believe this brings my affiliation into alignment with how I have led and will continue to lead our city,Mr. Bloomberg said.
Arlen Specter in BusinessWeek
My change in party affiliation does not mean that I will be a party-line voter any more for the Democrats than I have been for the Republicans:,Specter said in the statement announcing his move to the Democrats. "I will not be an automatic...
Nouri al-Maliki in International Herald Tribune
In announcing his version of the new security plan last Saturday, Al-Maliki said it "will not provide a safe haven for any outlaws, regardless of (their) sectarian or political affiliation."