Fairfax County Board of Supervisors chairman Gerry Connolly will officially file today for Virginia's 11th District seat being vacated by Republican Rep. Tom Davis, the Washington Post reports. Davis's retirement announcement from the House at the end of January was a blow to Republicans who will have at least 28 House members not returning in 2009.

Davis's Northern Virginia district has been trending Democratic for years. Democratic candidates for governor and senator have won large majorities here in recent elections, and Democrats recently won control of the state Senate in part by defeating Northern Virginia Republican incumbents like Davis's wife, former State Senator Jeannemarie Devolites Davis.

"We think that the retirement of Tom Davis made this district one of the Democrats' top pick-up opportunities this year," said DCCC spokesperson Kyra Jennings. "The people of Northern Virginia are looking for someone more in line with their priorities. And we feel we have a strong list of candidates."

Already in the race for the Democratic nomination are retired naval commander Doug Denneny, physical therapist Lori Alexander, and former state legislator and U.S. Rep. Leslie Byrne, who held the 11th District seat for one term before Davis defeated her in 1994.

Byrne, who has run unsuccessful campaigns for the U.S. Senate and lieutenant governor, reported having more than $100,000 cash on hand at the end of 2007. Connolly, who recently formed an exploratory committee and began raising money, said he's raised $200,000 in the past month.

On the Republican side, wealthy businessman Keith Fimian reported having more than $650,000 cash on hand, and already has the support of Davis. He will also likely avoid a costly and competitive primary, unlike the Democrats. National Republicans feel this will give him the edge in the general election.

"Keith Fimian is not only a successful businessman, but he has already been able to rally grassroots and financial support behind his candidacy," said NRCC press secretary Ken Spain. "The Democrat candidates have launched a battle against themselves over who can lurch the furthest to the left. We are confident that we can retain the seat."

-- Kyle Trygstad