“In 2000 we ended up with a net gain of one open seat,” he said. “We don’t know exactly what the top of the ticket is going to be so it’s hard to judge [the outcome of 2008].”

Davis’s exit will also touch off a battle for his top GOP spot on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Rep. Christopher Shays (R-Conn.), a centrist who infuriated Republican leaders for his push for campaign finance reform, was passed over for the post by Davis following the 2002 election.

Shays and Issa both chair subcommittees of the Government Reform Committee, but Issa has less seniority. Shays has served 11 terms and Issa four. Rep. Dan Burton (R-Ind.) ranks behind Davis in seniority on the panel, though Burton has previously chaired the committee. Issa, who is chairing the NRCC’s March fundraising dinner, fell short in his bid for a leadership position following the 2006 election.

 “I’ve worked hard on this committee, but for many years less than Chris has,” Issa said. “I’ve taken to it, I like the opportunity I’ve been given, I want to be back in the majority and, yes, I’d like to be full committee chairman.”

Shays narrowly won his reelection race in 2006 and Democrats are once again targeting him.

Shays threatened in September to not run for reelection unless he received a guarantee from House GOP leaders that he will be Davis’s successor on the panel in the next Congress.

In his statement, Davis said he was confident that the seat would remain Republican and assured constituents that the move is a sabbatical rather than a retirement from public life.

Despite passing on a Senate run this year, Davis has suggested running against freshman Sen. Jim Webb (D) might be an option in 2012.

“I want to emphasize that I am not closing the door on future public service, but after 29 years in office, winning 11 elections, I think it is time for a respite,” Davis said in a statement Wednesday.