Associated Press - November 10, 2009 2:24 PM ET

BOISE, Idaho (AP) - State Rep. Ken Roberts has withdrawn from the 2010 1st Congressional District Republican primary.

Almost immediately, state Rep. Raul Labrador, a Republican from Eagle, jumped into the race for the seat now held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Walt Minnick.

Roberts, the Idaho House GOP majority caucus chairman, says he's dealing with an unexpected health issue that has hampered his run.

He trailed GOP rival Vaughn Ward in fundraising for the May primary.

Roberts said an a release he'd spoken with at least two people who plan to run on a campaign platform of conservative values he had hoped to push.

He said, "I can responsibly withdraw from the campaign, knowing that 1 of them will continue to defend our cherished principles."

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