Mr. Bowles's entry into the race further heightens the profile of the 2002 contest to succeed Mr. Helms, a five-term Republican.

Another lawmaker who voted against the deadline, Judy Biggert, a five-term Republican, said that her public events during the break were a relief.

Sixth Congressional District The situation in the Sixth District is reminiscent of that in the First, with a popular incumbent, Representative Nancy L. Johnson, a five-term Republican from New Britain.

Mr. Smith, the five-term Republican from a district south of Portland, said he had done nothing wrong, even though the House ethics manual warns members of Congress against trying to influence regulators when the lawmakers have a personal stake in the outcome.

Today, they are choosing nominees for the seat held by Senator Mark O. Hatfield, another five-term Republican, who is retiring.

In southeastern Missouri, Representative Bill Emerson, a five-term Republican who represents the Eighth Congressional District, was re-elected despite a challenge by Russ Carnahan, a Democrat who tried to ride the anti-incumbency issue.

Representative Bridges, a five-term Republican from Cleveland, Ga., northeast of Atlanta, did not return calls to his legislative office on Friday.

Taking the microphone at an overflowing news conference, the five-term Republican from Oregon introduced himself with a small smile as "Chairman Mark Hatfield."

Heading the group of 10 people will be Assemblyman John J. Faso, a five-term Republican from Kinderhook who abandoned his run for state comptroller earlier this year after the party chose Herbert I. London as its candidate.

Representative Jim Ryun, a five-term Republican, says at a lunchtime fund-raiser on Thursday.