Topeka ? U.S. Rep. Jim Ryun, R-Lawrence, today conceded that he is in a tight race with Democrat Nancy Boyda after denying for weeks that the contest was close.

Further evidence that an upset may be brewing is that President Bush reportedly will visit Topeka to help shore up support for Ryun, a five-term incumbent.

Meanwhile, statewide Republican officeholders held a rally today in the Capitol in support of Ryun.

U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., said Ryun has helped increase military facilities in the 2nd Congressional District.

“Jim Ryun has helped get it done,” he said.

Boyda said her uphill bid to unseat Ryun has become a David vs. Goliath battle.

Ryun easily defeated Boyda in 2004, but Boyda says voters this year are unhappy with Ryun’s adherence to national Republican Party positions and talking points on a wide range of issues.

The congressional district includes west Lawrence, Topeka, Manhattan and much of southeast Kansas.

For weeks, Boyda has maintained that her campaign polling showed the race had become close, while Ryun said otherwise.

But today, Ryun said the race had tightened because he Boyda has misrepresented his positions.

The Cook Political Report, an independent, non-partisan newsletter that analyzes campaigns, listed the Boyda-Ryun race as a toss-up. Four days ago, the report said the race would likely go to Ryun.

Ryun’s admission about the contest came just minutes after his campaign manager Jeffrey Black dismissed reports the race was neck and neck.