Bell Will Not Run For Attorney General

Del. Robert B. Bell (R-Charlottesville) said this afternoon that he will not run for state attorney general in 2009. He said his wife is pregnant so the timing is not right for him to launch a statewide campaign.

Bell, elected in 2001, had been gearing up for a run for more than a year. As of Dec. 31, Bell had raised $300,000, giving him an early advantage in the money race.

Bell's decision narrows the field of potential GOP candidates for the job.

State Sen. Ken Cuccinelli II (R-Fairfax), one of the most conservative members of the legislature, recently announced plans to run. Former House member Paul Harris, also a Republican, said he is considering running.

Attorney General Robert F. McDonnell is expected to run for governor.

A former prosecutor, Bell took the lead in the House to reform the state's mental health system in the aftermath of the April 16 Virginia Tech shootings.

By Anita Kumar |  April 14, 2008; 6:00 PM ET  | Category:  Anita Kumar , Election 2009 , Ken Cuccinelli , Robert F. McDonnell , Virginia Tech massacre
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