Late last week, the National Republican Congressional Committee’s recruiting efforts took a hit when former bank executive John Guedry suddenly dropped his bid to take on freshman Rep. Dina Titus (D) in the 3rd district.

Guedry, whom NRCC officials had touted as a top recruit in the suburban Las Vegas district, cited family issues as the reason for ending his bid.

With Guedry out of the race, the names of businessman Phil Randazzo and former Clark County GOP Chairman Brian Scroggins were immediately floated as candidates who could take up the party mantle. Another intriguing name being mentioned is former state Sen. Joe Heck (R), who is currently running for governor.

An NRCC spokeswoman said Monday that the committee continues to believe that Titus — who defeated then-Rep. Jon Porter (R) 47 percent to 42 percent in a district that President Barack Obama won with 55 percent — is a top target in 2010, and she said the NRCC is confident that one strong candidate would emerge with support from the entire district.

Meanwhile, Titus wished Guedry and his family well on Monday.

“Congresswoman Titus will continue to work hard on behalf of Nevada’s 3rd district, focusing on cutting taxes for Nevada’s families and small businesses, creating jobs in Southern Nevada, and turning the economy around,— spokesman Andrew Stoddard said.