By Bob Gibson
Daily Progress political blogger
Virginia Democrats may pick up a House seat this year in Northern Virginia as 11th District Rep. Tom Davis has decided to retire.
Davis will announce his retirement soon, possibly within a week, according to a political source I completely trust.
The Davis seat is held by a Republican in a district that now leans strongly D and would be tough for any other Republican to carry.
This retirement is no surprise, but it will set in motion a new level of political activity in Northern Virginia, which could affect the likely Mark Warner-Jim Gilmore race for the U.S. Senate, swelling Democratic totals there and also have an impact on the state’s presidential contest.
With other congressional races far less competitive thanks to redistricting and other incumbent advantages, the NoVa race could bring out a higher percentage of voters in that region to the advantage of either Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton.
Virginia hasn’t voted for a Democrat for president since 1964, but 2008 could change that. Who knows?
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