Fox News.com - Former Democratic Rep. Artur Davis is switching sides, abandoning his former ally President Obama to become a Republican -- lamenting that the country has "gone backward" since Obama took office.
Davis is making the announcement in the run-up to a possible congressional comeback in Virginia, though he says he has not yet made up his mind whether he'll challenge Democratic incumbent Rep. Gerry Connolly. He used to represent Alabama.
In an interview with Fox News on Thursday, Davis explained the rationale behind his switch. He said he "took inventory" and decided "what we're doing is not working."
Davis said the government's policies are "counterproductive," suggested businesses were hurting and described economic growth as stagnant.
"Every time we think we're beginning to move forward, we fall backward," he said.
He also sounded a note of disenchantment with Obama.
"I supported President Obama four years ago because I wanted to see this country come together. I want us to change the way we talk to each other ... Unfortunately, we've gone backward on both fronts over the last several years."
He said Obama's "main offer" was that he could bring the country together, "and we've gone backward."
Democrats have blamed Republicans, particularly those in the House, for the persistently coarse political tone in Washington.
Davis left public office after losing in the Democratic primary in the 2010 race for Alabama governor.