GOP Rep. Deborah Pryce, who won reelection by just over 1,000 votes last year, will announce tomorrow that she's decided against seeking reelection in 2008, according to reports in the local Ohio press.

The Columbus Dispatch, citing Republican sources, reports today that Pryce concluded that it had become too daunting to raise a daughter in Ohio with her schedule in Washington. But also weighing on her mind might have been the fact that last year's opponent, Mary Joe Kilroy, is challenging her again with aggressive backing from national Dems.

Indeed, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokesperson Doug Thornell sent Election Central the following statement:

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. Mary Jo Kilroy came within a 1055 votes of winning last cycle and we expect this race to provide us with a tremendous opportunity to strengthen our majority.

Meanwhile, Columbus-based Democratic consultant Dale Butland tells Roll Call that another grueling contest against Kilroy likely tipped Pryce's decision.

“The prospect of another grueling race certain tends to concentrate the mind and I think that given the fact that President Bush’s popularity is even lower than it was when she barely squeaked by before, I think made her realize that this was going to be a very difficult uphill fight,” Butland said.

More from the Dispatch on potential Republican candidates for the race here.