Pryce makes retirement official; will serve out term

Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-Ohio) officially announced Thursday that she will not run for reelection in 2008, creating an open seat in what is likely to be one of the most competitive districts in the nation.

Pryce cited family concerns — namely, her 5-year-old daughter Mia and her parents — as her reasons for not seeking a ninth term in Congress.

{mosads}The 56-year-old former member of the GOP majority leadership also cited the ugly nature of her campaign last year against Democrat Mary Jo Kilroy. Pryce beat Kilroy 51-49 in percent of votes and faced a likely rematch this year, as Kilroy has again declared her candidacy.

Republicans were quick to praise Pryce as a legislator and a person.

 “Deborah’s tremendous service in the House is a testament to her strength of character and unfailing sense of duty — both to the people of Columbus, whom she has fiercely represented for nearly 15 years, and to her grateful colleagues in Congress,” House Minority Whip Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) said.

Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, said he was disappointed that Pryce is retiring but confident the party can hold the seat next year.

Former Ohio Attorney General James Petro and state Sen. Steve Stivers are among the candidates Republicans are looking at for the seat.

President Bush carried the district by less than 1 percent in 2004.

“There is a strong Republican bench in [Ohio’s 15th district], and over the next several weeks we will be meeting with candidates who are interested in continuing her good work in Congress,” Cole said. “This is a Republican seat that we plan on keeping Republican for a long time to come.”

Pryce’s retirement follows that of Rep. Ray LaHood (R-Ill.) and precedes that of former Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), who will make his announcement Friday. 

“With yet another open seat to defend, this is a significant blow to National Republicans already burdened with a record of standing with George Bush at the expense of a new direction in Iraq and change here in America," said a spokesman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Doug Thornell.