Va.‘s Davis Backs McCain

Tue, January 15, 2008 - 11:01 AM

Rep. Tom Davis, a Republican whose congressional district straddles the Washington beltway in Northern Virginia, has endorsed John McCain for president, McCain's campaign announced today.

"John McCain alone has the experience, character and integrity we need in our next president," said Davis, in a statement released by the committee.

The statement from Davis continued: "As president, John McCain will lead the fight for fiscal responsibility, a strong defense and the highest ethical How standards to restore Americans' trust in their leadership. I am proud to support him for president."

Like McCain, Davis is a Republican with a streak of independence. As chairman of the Government Reform Committee prior to the Democratic takeover of the House, he had criticized the Bush Administration's response to Hurrican Katrina, and launched a review of the Iraq war. His committee also grabbed headline s in 2005 with hearings that focused on steroid use in Major League Baseball.

It's hard to say how influential his endorsement might be. The presidential field has paid scant attention to Virginia voters so far. And the state’s primary is scheduled for Feb. 12, after many decisive contests.

-- Billy House