Kentucky's 4th U.S. House district, which includes Northern Kentucky, is so predominantly conservative that its Democratic incumbent, Rep. Ken Lucas, votes more often with President Bush than do many Republicans in Congress.

With Lucas retiring at the end of this term, you'd think Republicans would have a clear shot at picking up the seat. But the Democrats have media personality Nick Clooney, a beloved figure in Northern Kentucky and a liberal stalwart, running unopposed in their primary.

Conservative Republican Geoff Davis, who lost a close race to Lucas in 2002, may have an even tougher battle this time. Still, he's clearly the best qualified of the three Republicans going for the nomination in Tuesday's primary, and he gets our endorsement.

The Boone County business consultant boasts an impressive military resume and plenty of practical insights into business and development issues. An Army Ranger and flight commander in the Middle East in the 1980s, Davis speaks with authority on foreign policy and national security matters. He has the backing of several current and former members of Congress from this region, and has honed his political skills since the 2002 race, during which he often appeared dour and uncomfortable campaigning.

Erlanger lawyer Kevin Murphy is Davis' principal competitor in this three-way race. A longtime party worker and official in Kenton County, Murphy has good local credentials for his involvement in various community groups and on the Northern Kentucky Convention Center project. He's a likeable candidate with a common touch - he worked his way through law school by driving trucks - that's effective on the campaign trail. But his grasp of the issues on the congressional level isn't quite as firm as Davis', nor are his experience and contacts.

Union chiropractor Kelly King, making his first run for public office, has hit on some effective themes but is overmatched in this race.

Davis and Murphy waged a bitter campaign, with Davis coming under fire for accusations concerning campaign contributions and county business taxes. Further revelations may change the equation - and give the GOP fits in its attempt to beat Clooney - but what's been alleged so far doesn't appear sufficient to call Davis' candidacy into question. Murphy's role in fanning the allegations doesn't put him in the best light, either.