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By Julian Walker and Michael Sluss
The Virginian-Pilot and The Roanoke Times
RICHMOND
Has Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli decided to run for governor in 2013?
He wouldn't say Wednesday, but the political rumor mill was in a frenzy as word spread that an announcement from Virginia's ranking conservative prosecutor is imminent.
While well-placed Republican officials told The Virginian-Pilot and The Roanoke Times that Cuccinelli could enter the race in the coming days, the attorney general declined to say Wednesday whether he's made a decision.
"I really don't have anything to throw in the mill there other than it's a rumor," he said by phone.
One day earlier, Cuccinelli said his focus has shifted from getting Republicans elected to Virginia's legislature to the presidential election next year, a contest he called the "most important election in our lifetime."
Cuccinelli hasn't publicly thrown his support behind any of the Republican presidential hopefuls, but he'll quiz several of them Saturday evening as a panelist on a Fox News forum.
The attorney general often demurs when asked to divulge his next political move; he's said he may seek re-election to his current post, but that he hasn't eliminated the possibility he'll run for another office.
He recently told a Pilot reporter that he's consulting friends and family as he mulls his next move.
He was a bit more revealing last month when he told some Norfolk students that there is a "good chance I'll run for governor," though he didn't specify when.
If he enters the race, it could set up a bitter battle for the GOP nomination with Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, who stepped aside so Bob McDonnell could run unopposed for governor in 2009.
Wednesday night, Bolling's chief of staff, Randy Marcus, issued a statement:
"Lt. Gov. Bolling has made clear that he intends to run for governor in 2013 and we hope that Ken will be a part of our ticket.
"We think that would be best for the Republican Party."
Julian Walker, (804) 697-1564, julian.walker@pilotonline.com
Michael Sluss, (540) 981-3373, mike.sluss@roanoke.com
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It Is A Beautiful Day
The sun is bright. The temperature is moderate. The sights and sounds of Christmas are in the air. The liberals are about to implode over the thought of the Virginia AG becoming governor. Yes, it is a beautiful day.
It is a beautiful day
The sun is bright. The temperature is moderate. The sights and sounds of Christmas are in the air. This liberal is not about to implode over the thought of the Virginia AG becoming governor. In fact, I am quite pleased that Cuccinelli is running for Governor. His betrayal of McDonnell and Bolling will split the Virginia Republican Party. Cuccinelli's nomination will ensure the elction of the next Democratic Governor. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court will likely rule health reform constitutional. Yes, it is a beautiful day.
I'll pass
If he runs, this Republican will sit it out. When he launched his campaign to save the state from eternal damnation because of a boob on our state seal, he lost my vote for anything in the future.
Can not believe the divide in views
I am confused. Cuccinelli was elected to the AG position by voters in VA and if I remember right, the majority was pretty substantial for a modern election. If there is so much venom against him as evident in the posts then why was he elected? Second, I see all of this name calling but no facts. What I know of the AG he has done a decent job so far. He has defended and uphold the VA and US Constitutions to his best ability. Where is the source data on the positions taken by many who are against him? What court cases? What statements? I challenge anyone who just throws statements out there without facts. As far as my decision on if I will vote for him. 2013 is far away at this moment and many things can change. I have an open mind
You are confused.
Obama was elected President "by voters in VA and if I remember right, the majority was pretty substantial for a modern election. If there is so much venom against him as evident in the posts then why was he elected?"
You must keep in mind that
this little VP universe in NOT representative of the the demographics of Virginia. The majority of contributors here are emphatically left wing and/or anti-religion. Ken pushes their buttons on a regular basis.
I second that....
I tend to agree or else someone has multiple sign on names............and use them to distort the thumbs up and commentary...that is my theory.
Hmmm
I always love how some folks relate politics to religion. If you don’t agree with my political point of view you must be anti-religion too.
If that was aimed at me
you misread my post. I do not relate politics to religion which is why I put 'and/or' between the two.
wait a minute!
Are you saying that I am living in a hotbed of fascist heathenism?