Jim Roddey, the chairman of the Allegheny county Republican Party says he’s optimistic that the GOP can get his old job back next year.

Mr. Roddey was the county’s first chief executive, overcoming his party’s voter registration deficit in the county to capture the post over Dr. Cyril Wecht in the first election after the county’s home rule charter discarded the old board of commissioners.  Mr. Roddey’s said his party hasn’t settled on a candidate yet, but he predicts that the GOP tide from November’s Congressional elections will continue through 2011.  Among those considering the race, according to Mr. Roddey,  are Rep. John Maher, R-Upper St. Clair, and Raja, a business owner and Mt. Lebanon commissioner.  Mr. Maher confirmed that he is considering the race.  Mr. Raja did not immediately return a call seeking comment on his potential candidacy.