Davis, Allen rule out runs for Va. GOP chairman

Two big names and former members of Virginia’s congressional delegation are not interested in seeking the state GOP’s recently vacated chairmanship.

Neither former Congressman Tom Davis (R) nor former Sen. George Allen (R) are interested in the post, despite some efforts to draft them into the race.

Former Chairman Jeffrey Frederick, a state delegate, was ousted from the post last weekend by the GOP’s State Central Committee.

Since then, both Allen and Davis have surfaced as possible candidates. A group seeking to draft Allen into the race even popped up on Facebook.

But Davis said unequivocally is not seeking the job when contacted by the BBR Tuesday.

“I’ve got no interest in it,” he said. “Not at all. I’ve got my hands full here and I’ve got a happy life.”

Davis opted not to run for reelection to his 11th District seat last year. He is currently working as the president and CEO of the Republican Main Street Partnership.

Tim Nussbaum, a spokesman for Allen, said the former senator and governor is similarly not pursuing the job.

“Gov. Allen has many responsibilities and promises to keep that preclude him from seeking the chairmanship position,” he said. “The governor appreciates the well-meaning folks encouraging him to seek the chairmanship but there are many qualified to serve in that position.”

Rumors that Allen may be interested in the chairmanship fit speculation that he may be considering running for office again. In particular, some observers have suggested Allen could challenge Sen. Jim Webb (D) in 2012 to try to win his seat back. Running the state party would have certainly put him back in the spotlight.

The Virginia GOP’s State Central Committee will select the new chairperson a meeting on May 2. That person must then be confirmed at the party’s convention on May 30. Currently, the leading contenders are Pat Mullins, Louisa County’s Republican chairman, and Alexandra Liddy Bourne, a former House candidate.

Interestingly, Frederick told the Washington Post on Monday that he plans to run for his old job again. That would make for an exciting convention…

jeremy.jacobs@digital-stage.thehill.com