Pryce set to retire, GOP sources say

Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-Ohio) will announce Thursday that she will not run for reelection in 2008, according to sources close to the congresswoman’s office.

Pryce’s office announced it will hold a press conference in her Columbus office on Thursday at 11 a.m. concerning her plans for 2008.

{mosads}The timing of Pryce’s impending retirement comes largely as a surprise. A former leader of the GOP’s ousted majority, she is in her eighth term but is only 56 years old — much younger than many of the prospective Republican retirees.

Pryce has a young adopted daughter who lives in Columbus, and sources say the child likely played a significant role in her decision.

Pryce faced a potential rematch with her 2006 Democratic opponent, Mary Jo Kilroy. Pryce defeated Kilroy 51 percent to 49 percent.

Another member of the GOP’s majority leadership, former Speaker Dennis Hastert (Ill.), is likewise expected to announce his retirement during a press conference Friday.

Hastert and Pryce would join Rep. Ray LaHood (Ill.) as the first GOP retirees since the Democratic takeover of Congress. More are expected to follow this month, as members evaluate their futures during Congress’s recess.

Former state Attorney General James Petro and state Sen. Steve Stivers are among the possible GOP candidates for the seat.

Pryce’s impending decision has not changed the future of Democrat Franklin County Commissioner Paula Brooks,  who said earlier this year she would not challenge Kilroy for the Democratic nomination.

“I love being a commissioner, it’s a fun job,” she said. “I’m supporting Mary Jo and I hope she wins.”

She added, “It doesn’t mean [running for Congress] is not something that I would rule out in the future.”

A spokesman for Pryce has not returned calls seeking comment.