The race to represent Dayton and points southeast — including half of Warren County — in the U.S. House could be key to Republicans keeping control of the lower chamber in November, says GOP Rep. Rob Portman.

        “It's one of the top 20 seats in the country that the Republicans are going to focus on,” said Mr. Portman, of Terrace Park.

        His 2nd District seat serves parts of northern Warren County that will move into Dayton's 3rd District come November. Those voters, and the ones in Clinton and Highland counties, will tilt the Democratic stronghold toward the GOP.

        In addition, long-time Democratic Rep. Tony Hall's pending departure for a U.N. ambassadorship leaves the 3rd District without an incumbent for the first time in 24 years.

        Expect national money — from both the party and individuals — to flow in as Republicans try to capitalize on those weaknesses, Mr. Portman said.

        At stake: which party holds the gavel for the next two years. The Democrats need just seven seats to reclaim the House, and more Republicans than Democrats are retiring.

        “(President Bush) really needs a Republican House,” Mr. Portman said, especially given the Democrats' hold on the Senate.

        The 3rd District likewise could be a factor in Democrats' drive to take back the House, said Kim Rubey, spokeswoman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

        “We feel confident it will remain in Democratic hands,” she said. “Rick Carne has the right profile and background for the district.”

        While Mr. Carne had a bye in the Democratic primary, the Republicans have already warmed up for November's main event with an elbow-filled primary.

        Despite the “spirited” race, the overwhelming vote for former Dayton Mayor Mike Turner gives the GOP momentum, Mr. Portman said.

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