Since last fall, this race has been about one thing and one thing only: Jack Abramoff. Reported for months to be in the crosshairs of federal investigators looking into the Abramoff influence-peddling probe, Rep. Bob Ney held out for as long as possible before admitting guilt to conspiracy charges and making false statements, striking a plea bargain and withdrawing his re-election bid. That was too little, too late for the GOP. State Sen. Joy Padgett won a special primary, but with all the corruption charges swirling in Ohio, Padgett has struggled to distance herself from the party's woes.

Rep. Bob Ney of Ohio today agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy charges and making false statements in the Jack Abramoff scandal. Under the arrangement, he will make his plea next month in federal court in Washington.

Sources on Capitol Hill say GOP pressure will grow for Rep. Robert Ney to step down if he is indicted before the November congressional elections.