Washington Republicans are thrilled to have scored what they call a top recruit in the race to succeed retiring Rep. Deborah Pryce. Ohio State Sen. Steve Stivers will make the race, according to the National Republican Campaign Committee.

The GOP has been looking for a candidate since Pryce announced her retirement in August. Pryce beat Franklin County Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy by just over 1,000 votes in 2006, and Kilroy, running again, has already raised an impressive $425,000 through the third quarter.

While pundits suggest that Pryce's seat is a top Democratic pickup opportunity, NRCC officials are excited about Stivers' prospects. "Steve Stivers' decision to jump into the race is proof positive of how the Democrat-led Congress' record low approval rating is negatively affecting the election hopes for their candidates in 2008. If I'm Mary Jo Kilroy, I'm wondering what the Democrats in Washington have gotten me in to," said NRCC spokesman Ken Spain.

Stivers was appointed to the State Senate in 2003 and won his initial retainment election with 57.6% to a Democrat's 33.7%. His 16th State Senate District comprises the western third of Franklin County, which holds a large part of the Congressional District's population. Still, Democrats point out that Stivers has never faced a competitive election, and that leaves them in good spirits. With Stivers' entry, Kilroy remains the favorite, but the GOP at least has a quality candidate with an electoral base to give her a run for her money.