In an voting system, representatives must seek to appease their constituents in order to be elected.

Additionally, the representatives generally seek re-election at some future date.

In past negotiations with Japan, American and other foreign representatives have sought access for specific industries, like agricultural products, computer chips or satellites.

Hispanic and Asian representatives sought compromise, in vain.

The outgoing representative, Democrat Tim Stine, did not seek reelection in 1995.

Only 23 representatives did not seek re-election this year, compared with the fewer than the 40 or so that have been the rule in recent years.

The safety board said more than 500 reporters, photographers and other representatives of news organizations had sought credentials.

The political representatives of the Germans sought financial and political assistance from Germany.

Mr. Gandolfini's representatives are seeking a large increase in his salary.

The building owners' representatives are seeking to create a new entry wage for service workers - 70 percent of the general union wage.