Prince William County, Va. - J.K. "Jay" O'Brien Jr. plans to run for his old state Senate seat again next year.
The 58-year-old Republican said he plans to seek the GOP nomination in the 39th District, which takes in parts of Prince William and Fairfax counties.
O'Brien was defeated in 2007 by Sen. George L. Barker, a Democrat.
Before that loss, O'Brien had spent 16 years in the General Assembly: 11 in the House of Delegates and five in the Senate.
If he were to face Barker again, it would be the fourth time the rivals have squared off. Barker ran unsuccessfully against O'Brien for a House seat in 1991 and 1993.
First, though, O'Brien is likely to face Scott Martin, an assistant dean at George Mason University, for the GOP nomination.
The contest is only "likely" right now because the boundaries for legislative districts won't be finalized until after this year's census.
Martin, who announced his candidacy last week, said he expects to still be eligible to run after the lines are redrawn.
And O'Brien said he's even more confident of his eligibility because he lives in Fair-fax's Clifton election precinct -- just like Barker.
But why would O'Brien be able to defeat Barker, who bested him last time around?
"It was a close race, particularly in a very tough year for Republicans," O'Brien said.
As for the issues, the West Point graduate said he's going to replicate Gov. Robert F. "Bob" McDonnell's winning strategy from last year.
"It's all about jobs and lower taxes and getting the economy going," O'Brien said, adding that many Republicans probably will emulate McDonnell's tactics.
And O'Brien said that, as an office furniture salesman, he's the only candidate in the 39th District race who can speak knowledgeably about business issues.
"I sell real products to real people," he said.
O'Brien is also a veteran. He spent five years in the Army and 28 in the Army Re-serve.
He has been married for 30 years and has five children, ages 14 to 22.
Staff writer Jonathan Hunley can be reached at 703-369-5738.
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