Mr. Thompson, a three-term Republican who has staked much of his reputation on Wisconsin Works, acknowledged that "we've had some problems," particularly with child care.

John G. Rowland, the three-term Republican from Waterbury, has announced he plans to run for governor next year.

He has joined former Gov. Dan Evans, a popular three-term Republican, who is leading the opposition.

State Comptroller Edward V. Regan, a three-term Republican, is not interested.

Mr. Rowland, a three-term Republican who resigned on July 1 amid an impeachment inquiry and the federal investigation, was not named in the indictment.

And the governor, a three-term Republican, appealed to the business leaders to lobby the lawmakers over the next few days.

The base is in the district of Representative Rob Simmons, a three-term Republican.

Mr. McCain, 67, a three-term Republican who ran for president in 2000, and his wife were married in 1980.

Until recently Mr. Isaac, a three-term Republican, was considering running as a Republican candidate for governor, but he decided not to enter the primary.

But Mr. Gorton, a 72-year-old, three-term Republican who has never been popular in the Seattle metropolitan area, has always found a way to win.