Just when it looked like election cycles were finally over, Fairfax County's is only beginning.

Supervisor John Foust, D-Dranesville, is the first of his colleagues — each of whom is up for re-election in November — to attract an opponent. (An early challenger to Chairman Sharon Bulova has since decided not to run, according to the county's Republican committee.)

Dennis Husch, a Republican and 16-year veteran of the Herndon Town Council, is hoping to ride what lasts of right-leaning enthusiasm to victory against Foust in the county's northern district, which includes McLean and Great Falls.

"I wouldn't say I'm a Tea Partier, but I've certainly held those same philosophies for a long time," Husch said.

He specifically criticized what he sees as an unfair burden on county taxpayers for downtown development at Tyson's Corner, and the board's reluctance to push back against increases to fares on the Dulles Toll Road (Rt. 267) -- a move he believes will increase traffic and congestion on local thoroughfares.

Foust said he is "looking forward to the discussions" with Husch and other potential candidates, but remains confident he'll win. He cited as successes the board's efforts to maintain essential county services while "protecting the taxpayer in the process."