RK ARCHIVE - Breaking: Davis Confirms No '08 Senate Run

Breaking: Davis Confirms No '08 Senate Run

By: TheGreenMiles
Published On: 10/25/2007 1:12:22 PM

Rep. Thomas M. Davis III said this morning that he will not make a run for the U.S. Senate next year, in part because of what he sees as the Republican Party's increasingly narrow focus on candidates who pass conservative litmus tests on taxes and abortion. [...]
Several people who are close to Davis -- who spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak on his behalf -- said he was deeply disappointed by the Republican State Central Committee's decision this month to choose a convention over a primary to nominate the GOP Senate candidate in the spring. They also said Davis is angry about how his party selects candidates. [...]
Davis hinted that he agreed with that assessment this morning, saying, "Republicans are more interested in beating each other than in beating the Democrat."
Nevertheless, Davis said he would support the party's eventual nominee.

Tom sounds more than a little bitter, no? Think Virginia Republicans will be any more eager to support him in 2012 against Webb after these comments?

Comments

Analysis (TheGreenMiles - 10/25/2007 1:15:53 PM)

Chris Cilizza: "In the last Friday Senate Line, the Virginia race was ranked No. 1 -- the seat most likely to change party control in 2008. With Davis's decision, it may have won itself a permanent hold on that slot."

Something Tom and I can agree on. (Pain - 10/25/2007 1:38:10 PM)

VA Republicans are out of touch with Virginia. Davis has a much better chance of beating Warner than Gilmore has. I don't think either of them can do it, but Tom could compete in NoVA where they need to siphon blue voters away from Warner, as much as that is possible. Gilmore hasn't a prayer

Where Is Macaca? (HisRoc - 10/25/2007 1:45:02 PM)

Isn't it interesting that Allen is no where to be seen in all of this. When he suddenly dropped his threats of recounts and challenges against Jim Webb last year, with John Warner standing by his side at the press conference no less, I was certain that the RPVA had struck a deal with him: go quietly into the night and you can run for Warner's seat when he retires and everyone has forgotten about the "Macaca" stuff. Allen, even with all his flaws, will always be more popular than Gilmore who essentially stole the governor's race with his sleazy gimmick, "No More Car Tax!"

Too soon (Pain - 10/25/2007 1:51:40 PM)

I think Allen will be back, but not in 08. He lost to Jim Webb, who I admire greatly but isn't the most charismatic guy in the world. Warner would crush Allen, especially just 2 years since Macaca. Look for Allen for Governor, but if he comes back for Senate in 08, against Warner no less, then I'll be shocked.

I should say (Pain - 10/25/2007 1:53:31 PM)

Allen lost to himself, not to Jim Webb, but coming back just 2 years after that fact with the chants of "Macaca" still ringing in his ears? I find that hard to swallow.

Allen (KCinDC - 10/25/2007 1:54:42 PM)

Allen is just lying low until he can run for governor, I'd imagine. He didn't seem to like being a senator much anyway, and being governor might be better for a future presidential run if he's maintaining that fantasy.

All Good Points (HisRoc - 10/25/2007 3:19:29 PM)

However, I never credit these types with having much of a grip on reality. Look at Gilmore trying to run for POTUS on his record. Get real!

Heh (Matusleo - 10/25/2007 5:15:53 PM)

You do really have to wonder what some of these guys are thinking. Gilmore fell on his sword to make sure that the GOP in Congress could pass tax cuts back in 2001. He destroyed himself with the Virginia voters. The GOP has never shown any kindness to its 'martyrs', only its 'conquerors'.

Matusleo
Ut Prosim

The unanswered question is (Glant - 10/25/2007 11:33:12 PM)

will he run for another term in the House?

A lot will depend on how JMDD does in this year's election, but I would be surprised to see his name on any Virginia ballot in 2008.

Unless ... (Ron1 - 10/26/2007 1:39:09 AM)

I put out my ballot for:

Worst Corrupt Scumbag Fake Moderate Republican

[He'd win that ballot in a landslide, no competition.]
:)