Rep. Perriello hints at '12 grudge match

Virginia Rep. Tom Perriello (D) sees "opportunity" for Democrats in 2012, which could mean he's planning another run for Congress.

"Somebody has to come up with an agenda to make and build and grow things in this country. We have to say to that [dejected] person that we haven't broken faith with you," he told columnist E.J. Dionne.

In the interview, Perriello defended the Democrats' vote on a tax bill last week that permanently extended the Bush-era tax rate for those making under $250,000. The vote was considered meaningless because the Senate doesn't plan to act on the legislation.

"Why not up the game, instead of playing the same old game?" he said.

Perriello lost his reelection race against Republican state Sen. Robert Hurt by only 4 points, less than the blowout many observers expected.

The congressman hasn't ruled out making another bid, according to his spokeswoman. "There's been no decisions made yet," she said recently.