Well, that seems to be the position of the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Four districts stand out as leading prospects for Republican gains, but none is considered a guaranteed win.

The House Race Hotline, a nonpartisan publication, lists Iowa's 3rd District as the top contender for a Republican pickup. Rep. Leonard L. "Boswell's facing a well-funded, politically experienced opponent this cycle in state Senate President Jeff Lamberti," House Race Hotline Editor Josh Kraushaar said.

"And the district narrowly voted for Bush in the last presidential election. If there's one incumbent that Democrats are worried about, it's probably Leonard Boswell, especially given recent concerns about his health."

Mr. Boswell, 72, recently had a noncancerous tumor removed from his abdomen and has been restricted in his ability to make campaign appearances.

The top three other prospects for Republicans are two seats in conservative Georgia districts and the home of embattled West Virginia Democrat Alan B. Mollohan, who faces accusations of corruption from critics who say he delivered lucrative private contracts to his campaign's financial supporters. Mr. Bush carried the district by 15 percentage points in 2004.

That does not, however, take into account the possibility of lost seats -- including the chance that my own beloved CD22 might fall into Democrat hands if they manage to keep us from replacing the ineligible Tom DeLay.

Republicans say they are also targeting Reps. John M. Spratt Jr. of South Carolina and Melissa Bean of Illinois. Both districts voted for Mr. Bush by more than 10 points in 2004, but both incumbent Democrats are considered likely winners.

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