Congressman David Hobson, a nine-term member representing a swath of central Ohio just south of Columbus, became the third Republican from Ohio to announce his retirement today. Hobson joins Republican Reps. Deborah Pryce and Ralph Regula in stepping down after the 110th Congress.

The district will prevent fewer challenges to Republicans than Pryce's seat or Regula's seat. President Bush took 57% here in 2004 and 55% in 2000. Hobson has not faced a serious challenge in his career, though emboldened Democrats may take a shot if they think Ohio will prove fertile territory.

No obvious contenders on either side have emerged yet, though they will in coming days.