Idaho House GOP Caucus Chairman Ken Roberts withdrew from the 2010 race for 1st District Congress Tuesday, but the breach was quickly filled by Rep. Raul Labrador of Eagle.

Roberts cited a recent health problem and the emergence of an unnamed candidate with “strong conservative credentials” who he said would enter the race in his stead. Last week, Roberts said former Republican Rep. Bill Sali, who held the western and northern Idaho seat from 2007 to 2009, may run.

About 90 minutes after Roberts announced he was out, Labrador told the Idaho Statesman that he was the candidate Roberts had in mind.

"I believe he is talking about me," said Labrador, a leader in the fight against fuel tax increases in the 2009 Legislature. "I have a great deal of respect for Ken Roberts and my prayers are with him and his family."

Labrador said he expects to make a formal campaign announcement in the next week or so. The two-term lawmaker acknowledged his late start and newcomer Vaughn Ward's big cash advantage in the race to face Democrat Walt Minnick.

"Yeah, I think this is a monumental undertaking, but I think there is enough enthusiasm out there among Idaho conservatives that we're going to be able to match and beat him (Ward) in fund-raising and, more importantly, in energy," Labrador said.

Ward, a former Marine from Eagle, was an aide to Sen. John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign in Nevada and worked for former Idaho GOP Sen. Dirk Kempthorne. Ward has never sought elected office. He said he wishes Roberts well, but realizes he's outside the Idaho GOP conservative establishment.

Ward said he will continue raising money, talking to voters and winning endorsements. He cited recent backing from House Republican Whip Eric Cantor of Virginia and the American Conservative Union Political Action Committee.

“All along, I’ve not been the chosen one,” Ward said. “All I can do is keep my head down and keep working hard."

In a news release, Roberts said he was withdrawing "with great reluctance," adding, "For the past several days, I have been dealing with an unexpected health issue that has affected my candidacy and hampered my ability to make this run.”

The release did not specify the health issue and Roberts did not reply to a request for more information.

Kevin McGowan, Roberts’ former campaign manager, said earlier Tuesday that he left the campaign last week because Roberts was doing a poor job raising money. “I just didn’t think we'd be able to pay the bills,” McGowan said.

Roberts, a five-term lawmaker from McCall, is the No. 4 Republican in the Idaho House. Despite his rank, he trailed Ward 4-to-1 in fund-raising through Sept. 30. Ward raised about $246,000 compared to $62,000 for Roberts.

Last week, Roberts said Sali, who lost to Minnick in 2008, may run. Sali did not reply to a request for comment last week or Tuesday.

In his statement Tuesday, Roberts said, “I believe Idaho still needs a strong conservative candidate to run for this position. I’ve been approached by two individuals who have expressed a strong interest picking up that banner. I now feel I can responsibly withdraw from the campaign, knowing that one of them will continue to defend our cherished principles.”

Dan Popkey: 377-6438