Bill Bolling Will NOT Run for Governor

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling will seek re-election next year, two people familiar with his campaign said.

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Bolling's decision not to run for governor combined with former Governor George Allen's announcement to sit out the governor's race leaves Attorney General Bob McDonnell uncontested for the Republican nomination.

I agree with Ben that this is a "Major 2009 Shakeup," as most people had expected a bruising Bolling-McDonnell primary. Now, as Ben notes, "this makes Bob McDonnell (The "R" stands for Regent) the presumptive nominee for Governor."  It also probably puts the kibosh on Corey Stewart's lieutenant governor ambitions, at least for 2009 (of course, you never know with that guy).  

Finally, I agree with Ben that Bolling's decision increases pressure on the Democratic side to "settle the field ASAP."  Honestly, I don't know one Democrat who is looking forward to a Brian Moran-Creigh Deeds primary.  And I know a lot of Democrats who would love to see Brian and Creigh reach some sort of agreement where one runs for governor this time and other "drops down" to run for Attorney General (with perhaps someone like this guy for lieutenant governor).  The potential alternative is a bitter, bruising fight between Brian and Creigh, with one of them losing and not being able to run statewide in 2009.  That would be very unfortunate, especially if Republicans are unified.  Here's a thought to focus Democrats' minds as they contemplate 2009:  the possibility of Governor McDonnell and Lt. Governor Bolling for four years starting in 2010 (and including redistricting in 2011).  If that's not enough motivation for Democrats to figure out "who's on first, what's on third," then I don't know what would be.  On the other hand, the prospect of John McCain for 4 years and a 9-0 conservative Supreme Court doesn't seem to be stopping the Democratic "circular firing squad" at the national level, so why should we expect it to happen at the state level?

h/t: NLS

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