Del. Jeffrey M. Frederick (R-Prince William) sent a letter to supporters this week saying he won't seek reelection to his House seat in 2009 if he is elected chairman of the Virginia Republican Party at next week's GOP convention.

Frederick, who is challenging John H. Hager for the chairman's job, said he made his decision because of concerns from party leaders that it would be too hard for him to be both a delegate and the leader of the state party.

"With the loss of 9 seats in the General Assembly in just the last 6 months alone, and RPV finishing 5th in fundraising to four Democratic committees last year, the risk is too great for me to not make the tough decision to eliminate any objections to my candidacy for Party chair," Frederick said in a letter to GOP activists. "The future of our Party, and indeed our Commonwealth, is at stake."

If Frederick doesn't seek reelection, Democrats would certainly fight hard to pick up his seat.

Although Frederick has been easily winning reelection, his eastern Prince William district has been trending Democratic in statewide elections. Democrats will need to pick up six seats next year to gain a a majority in the House.

But Frederick said he's not worried about GOP prospects for holding his House seat.

"I am comfortable that my House seat can continue to be represented by a Republican," Frederick wrote. "Yet, I am not comfortable that the current RPV leadership is capable of retaining our House majority - and that is the larger problem we face, rather than just concern over my one seat."

By Tim Craig  |  May 22, 2008; 12:49 PM ET
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