How do you raise combat power in Mafia Wars?

Answer 1

Good question!!!! I have max 501 mafia members. I am level 406 and lost to a level 294 who had less experience. Checking my combat summary on a combat calculator after one of the fights showed me to be more powerful on Attack and Defense. Yet I lost 20 out of 20 straight battles. Go figure???? I'd like to know the answer to this question as well.