It looks Tom DeLay will have a top-notch challenger next fall. Roll Call's Chris Cillizza reports that a former four-term Congressman has decided to enter the fray [subscription reqd.].

Former Texas Rep. Nick Lampson (D) has decided to challenge embattled House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R), filing papers Monday with the Federal Election Commission.

In addition, 2004 Democratic nominee Richard Morrison removed himself from the race Monday, citing family considerations in an e-mail to past supporters.

[...]

Lampson is clearly viewed as a strong contender by national Democrats. Sarah Feinberg, a spokeswoman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, called him a "fantastic candidate who is hitting the ground running."

Lampson will hold his first fundraiser on Thursday evening in Washington, D.C. A copy of the invite urges donors to "welcome Nick Lampson into the race against Tom DeLay in TX-22!"

Just how vulnerable is Tom DeLay? Before the majority of these ethical issues hit the press, he ran significantly behind George W. Bush in his district -- against a relatively unknown opponent.

By the numbers, the seat remains a Republican stronghold. President Bush won 64 percent in the 22nd in 2004 even as DeLay defeated Morrison 55 percent to 41 percent.

With a real challenger and real scrutiny from the press, it will be extremely difficult for Tom DeLay to win reelection -- that is if he makes it to election day...