You need to explain this comment to me -- what do you mean Helms hasn't lived in NC?
He is a Senator, and has been for about 30 years. When he was elected, he, like everyone else serving in the Federal Government, moved to DC. He may keep a North Carolina residence, and live here when the Senate is not in session, but he spends MOST of his time in DC.
Also, Libby Dole's husband was a Senator for much of the time since she last served in a Federal job. If your husband is a Senator, would YOU live 350 miles away from him, just so you could keep a North Carolina address??