LOUISVILLE — Kentucky voters returned all six incumbents to Congress on Tuesday, rejecting the bids of three Democratic challengers who fought fiercely.

        Bluegrass voters decided to stick with Republican Rep. Ernie Fletcher, rather than sending Democrat Scotty Baesler back to Washington. Mr. Baesler was seeking the seat he gave up two years ago to run for the Senate.

        Voters in Louisville also chose two-term GOP incumbent Anne Northup over Democratic state Rep. Eleanor Jordan. In western Kentucky, Rep. Ed Whitfield soundly defeated Democrat Brian Roy.

        Mr. Fletcher, a former physician who was first elected to the House in 1998, won slightly more than half the votes. Mr. Baesler drew just over a third of the vote. Reform Party candidate Gatewood Galbraith picked up about 12 percent.

        “It was a tough campaign but a good campaign, and we are humbled by the faith shown by the voters of the 6th District,” Mr. Fletcher said.

        Said Mr. Baesler said in his concession speech, “Obviously the folks elected the other agenda rather than ours, fairly convincingly I might add.”

        Ms. Northup won by an easy margin in the 3rd District, where more than half of registered voters are Democrats.

        “I want to reach my hand out and ask to be a partner with every part of this community,” Ms. Northup said during her victory speech.

        Ms. Jordan told her supporters, “Anne has been a formidable opponent, and the people of the 3rd District have spoken.”

        Democrats in Washington were hoping for a victory in Kentucky's U.S. House races.

        Republicans hold a 222-209 majority in the current House, with two independents and two vacancies. A switch of eight seats would guarantee a Democratic majority.

        Mr. Whitfield constantly told voters that a vote for Mr. Roy, a conservative Democrat, would help liberal Democrats take over the House.

        That argument swayed mechanic Greg Harper of Christian County to back the Republican incumbent.

        “If we elect a Democrat in the Congress, he will be a junior Democrat and he will be in the same party as Henry Waxman and Maxine Waters,” Mr. Harper said, naming two senior California Democrats who are more liberal than Mr. Roy.

        Republicans weren't the only ones talking about the balance of power.

        Mr. Baesler had urged voters to put his party in power. He repeatedly criticized the Republican-controlled Congress for failing to pass handgun control measures and legislation that would reform the HMO industry and give seniors a prescription drug benefit under Medicare.

        The Baesler-Fletcher matchup will likely be remembered as one of the state's most expensive House races. Mr. Fletcher raised about $2.3 million and Mr. Baesler about $1.5 million, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, which tracks money in campaigns.

        About the same amount of money poured into the Louisville area's 3rd District race. Ms. Northup raised about $2.4 million, and Ms. Jordan raised about $1.5 million, according to the center.

        The races have drawn plenty of national attention. President Clinton appeared with Ms. Jordan in Louisville last week, while House Speaker Dennis Hastert stumped for Ms. Northup and Mr. Fletcher Sunday.

        Ms. Jordan, who is black, was relying on a high turnout in black neighborhoods and among union members.

        Democrats in all three races were relying on the labor vote, according to Kentucky AFL-CIO president Bill Londrigan. He estimated that there are at least 60,000 union members in the 3rd District, 30,000 in the 1st District and 15,000 in the 6th District.

        As expected, three Kentucky congressmen easily won re-election against little-known or underfunded opponents. They are:

        ãRep. Ron Lewis, R-2nd District, who defeated Democrat Brian Pedigo and Libertarian candidate Michael Kirkman.

        ãKen Lucas, D-4th District, who defeated Republican Don Bell, Libertarian Alan Handleman and Green candidate Ken Sain.

        ãHal Rogers, R-5th District, who defeated Democrat Sidney Jane Bailey.

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