Former Virginia Rep. Tom Davis is mulling a run for his old job.
Not that one.
Multiple sources tell the Washington Examiner the Republican is seriously considering a campaign next year for chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, a job he held in the early 1990s before embarking on a seven-term stint in Congress.
Davis said in a phone interview he is “not making any moves right now” but would not rule it out.
“It would take a lot for me to come back,” Davis said. “Who knows what the future holds?”
The move would be surprising in many political circles considering Davis already held the post and his name has been floated as a potential candidate against Democratic Virginia Sen. Jim Webb in 2012.
And sources, who did not want to be named before Davis decides whether to run,say the appearance of political demotion could be a potential roadblock.
“There is a perception challenge that this would be a political step in the wrong direction,” one source said. “And he has to deal with the desire of some in the party to see new blood and not an old warrior.”
But as chairman, Davis would serve a larger constituency than in Virginia’s 11th District,where he cruised to electoral victories through most of his days in Congress.
Davis took a position with Deloitte Consulting, a financial services company, after resigning from Congress in 2008. His interest in the chairmanship was sparked by the prospect of keeping the job while returning to a leadership role in politics, sources say.
The county Board of Supervisors is a largely Democratic body in which Republicans, for the most part, mirror Davis’ moderate style.
However, the board’s current leader doubts a showdown with him.
“I’ve heard that rumor,” Chairwoman Sharon Bulova said. “I discounted it because it didn’t make any sense. Keeping his job and being chairman would be quite a challenge.”
Bulova said she will seek re-election next year. If Davis were elected, it would continue the musical chairs for the region’s politicians.
In 2009, Bulova won a narrow special election against Supervisor Pat Herrity to fill the seat vacated by Democratic Rep. Gerry Connolly, now in Davis’ former seat.
