Bolling running in place

Bill Bolling announced today that he will be seeking a second term as Lieutenant Governor rather than pursuing the governor’s mansion in 2009. In a conference call this afternoon with bloggers from throughout the Commonwealth, Bolling emphasized that he came to this decision due to his commitments to his family and his colleagues. He said repeatedly that running for governor is an “all-consuming” process and that he could not, at this point in his life, give it the time and energy that it requires.

Part of his decision in announcing this at this time was the fact that he wanted the Republican Party to focus on the 2008 races. “People were already picking sides,” he said, in a reference to the expected primary battle between himself and AG Bob McDonnell. Bolling jokingly said that rumors of him running for federal office – his name was floated in the 1st Congressional District race and he’s been mentioned as a competitor for Jim Webb in 2012 – were planted by McDonnell. He said he would be honored to serve in the Senate or Congress or as governor but if it never happens, that’s OK, too.

When asked about the names that have been floated as possible opponents – among them, Jay O’Brien, Corey Stewart and Emment Hanger – Bolling said that he has talked to some of them and that he is not expecting a challenge for the Republican nomination.

The only Democratic candidate who has demonstrated an interest in running for LG is Norfolk delegate Kenny Alexander. In talking to Del. Alexander this afternoon, he said that today’s announcement doesn’t change his plans. “I will continue to explore the possibility of pursuing the LG’s office. No doubt the race will be a little more difficult, running against an incumbent.” Alexander, who has represented the 89th House district since 2002, is taking meetings across the state in an effort to determine if a run in 2009 is feasible, citing many of the same reasons as Bolling. “I have two small children and a business to run,” Alexander said. If he does not run, Alexander said someone has to step up. “Democrats have to challenge this seat,” he said. He said he was not surprised that others will step aside for Bolling to run. “Had Mark Warner decided to run for governor, both Brian and Creigh would have done the same,” he said.

With the top two slots on the Republican side already set, it would be nice if the Democrats could work something out whereby an expensive (and potentially nasty) primary could be avoided. We’ve seen how that has played out on the national stage and I, for one, would love to avoid something like that happening. From where I sit, it seems that only three people have the ability to head this off: Mark Warner, who is otherwise occupied at the moment, DPVA Chairman Dickie Cranwell, and Governor Tim Kaine. Come on, guys. Get in there and work it out.

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