090122: Rep. Davis Says GOP Must 'Rebuild the Reagan Coalition'

Former Virginia Rep. Thomas M. Davis III will take over as the leader of the Republican Main Street Partnership, a support group for the GOP's moderate wing.

Davis (1995-2008) will succeed former Rep. Charles Bass of New Hampshire (1995-2007) as the chairman of the partnership. Davis is a longtime GOP strategist and a former chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee. He resigned his seat after the election last November to become director of Deloitte Federal Government Services, advising clients on issues involving government operations.

"The 2006 and 2008 election results make it clear that the Republican Party must -- once again -- reach out to independent and centrist voters if we are to restore our Congressional majorities and return a Republican to the White House," Davis said in a statement. "We must get back to the basics and emphasize our commitment to fiscal responsibility, free trade, limited government and good government ... Now is the time for us to recognize that Republicans of all ideological stripes must work together to rebuild the Reagan coalition," Davis added.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine said Davis would bring a 'wealth of experience, creative thinking and tremendous energy to the job."

Former Rep. Amo Houghton of New York (1987-2005) who chairs the partnership's board, said Davis was "one of the most visible and effective centrist leaders during his time in the House."

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