Republican Rebounds

By DAVID ELLIS

Lost an election? Looking for a new job? No problem, if you're a Republican. George Bush is making a habit of employing G.O.P. candidates after they've lost elections. The President enjoyed a similar favor from Richard Nixon. After Bush lost a 1970 Texas Senate race to Lloyd Bentsen, he avoided political obscurity when Nixon made him ambassador to the United Nations.

Politician

Edward Madigan

Setback

His Illinois House seat faced redistricting, forcing a primary run against a fellow Republican and friend, House minority leader Bob Michel.

Reward

Lobbied for, and was named, Secretary of Agriculture.

Politician

Patricia Saiki

Setback

After a pep talk from Bush, the Hawaii Representative unsuccessfully ran for the late Democratic Senator Spark Matsunaga's seat.

Reward

Appointed head of the Small Business Administration.

Politician

Lynn Martin

Setback

The Illinois Representative lost a lopsided Senate race against liberal Paul Simon.

Reward

The independent-minded legislator has replaced Labor Secretary Elizabeth Dole.

Politician

Jim Courter

Setback

The six-term Representative lost a disastrous campaign for New Jersey Governor.

Reward

Leads the presidential commission examining military-base closings.

Politician

Bob Martinez

Setback

The first-term Florida Governor lost a re-election bid to former Democratic Senator Lawton Chiles.

Reward

Succeeded William Bennett as the Administration's drug czar.

With reporting by Sidney Urquart