And we’re off.



Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, left, and Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli II, right, on the steps of the Virginia Capitol in Richmond Republican legislators Jan. 9 (Tracy A. Woodward/The Washington Post)

The former state senator from Fairfax County said in December that he would challenge Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling in the GOP primary next year.

“I am running for governor to continue the work I have undertaken during my tenure as attorney general and as a state senator,’’ Cuccinelli said in a statement. “I will continue my work to strengthen our economy, preserve our liberty, and to promote the principles of smaller, more efficient state government, accountable to the people it serves. I look forward to sharing my vision for the commonwealth following the November elections.”

Several Democrats have expressed an interest in statewide office, but only former Democratic National Committee chairman and businessman Terry McAuliffe has told supporters he will run for governor.

