Key House oversight legislator rules out bid for re-election

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee ranking member Tom Davis, R-Va., this afternoon became the third Republican in two days to announce he will not return to the House next year.

"After much soul-searching and discussion with those closest to me, I have decided the time is right to take a sabbatical from public life," he said in a statement. "I will serve out the remainder of my term, and plan to remain an active contributor to Republican causes but will not run for office in 2008."

His announcement, coupled with the Tuesday retirement of Rep. Ron Lewis, R-Ky., and Missouri GOP Rep. Kenny Hulshof's decision to run for governor, now means there are 24 Republicans and 29 House members overall who are either retiring or running for higher office.

"I have not yet decided what opportunities to pursue when I depart Congress. But it's clear to me that returning to the private sector and reacquainting myself with that view of the world is the best move for me and my family," said Davis, who is now in his seventh term in the House. "I want to emphasize that I am not closing the door on future public service, but after 29 years in office, winning 11 elections, I think it is time for a respite."

Davis' announcement should open the door for Republican candidates to emerge in a suburban seat that President Bush carried by just 50-49 percent in 2004 and to which Davis was re-elected two years ago with 55 percent of the vote. Democratic Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Gerald Connolly and former Democratic Rep. Leslie Byrne have already indicated they intend to run.

Davis, a former chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, said, "I am confident we will keep this seat in Republican hands." Davis' announcement also might lead to a battle for his committee leadership post. Rep. Christopher Shays, R-Conn., who was passed over for chairmanship of the committee when Republicans held the House, is in line to become ranking member -- or chairman, should Republicans regain the House -- with backing from Republican leadership. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., also is interested in the position.