Idaho state Rep. Ken Roberts announced this morning that he’s withdrawing from the 1st District congressional race, in which he was vying for the GOP nomination for a chance to challenge 1st District Democratic Rep. Walt Minnick. Roberts cited “an unexpected health issue,” and also hinted that another "conservative" candidate might be getting into the race to replace him, saying he's heard from two who have a "strong interest." "I now feel I can responsibly withdraw from the campaign, knowing that one of them will continue to defend our cherished principles," Roberts said in a statement.

Already in the GOP race is Vaughn Ward, an Iraq war veteran who’s been campaigning hard and who had out-raised Roberts, as of the last campaign finance report, by more than four times. Ward noted that yesterday, he was endorsed by the American Conservative Union./Betsy Z. Russell, S-R, more here

Question: What do you think is at stake in the race for North Idaho's congressional seat in 2010?

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