State Sen. Mark Obenshain today made it official that he will not run for attorney general next year, clearing a potential obstacle in front of state Sen. Ken Cuccinelli's pursuit of the Republican nomination.

"Over the past several months I have been encouraged to run for Attorney General of Virginia," Obsenshain, Rockingham County Republican, said in an e-mail to supporters. "After great consideration and deliberation, I have decided that I will not be a candidate for that office in 2009."

In announcing his bid late last month, Cuccinelli, Fairfax Republican, said Obenshain would endorse his candidacy.

Other Republicans interested in the job include Delegate Rob Bell, of Albermarle County, and Paul Harris, a constituent of Cuccinelli and the first black Republican elected to the Virginia legislature since reconstruction.

Obenshain said he is "well suited" for the job, but it was too much to ask of his family.

"My family is the abiding consideration for me in deciding to forego a run at this time," he said. "I have two children in high school, and I am very proud of them. I understand the sacrifices my family would have to make in order for me to seek statewide office at this time, and they are too great."