It's early in the cycle, but a Republican candidate in a top-tier race for Congress has already dropped out. Ohio Coal Association president Mike Carey, who had been seeking the nomination to face freshman Democrat Zack Space, has withdrawn his candidacy, saying he did not want to lose time with his wife and five-year old son.

The seat will still be a top target for the Republicans, as it voted 57% for President Bush in 2004, and went Democratic last year after the resignation and corruption-related guilty plea of longtime Republican incumbent Bob Ney.