It seems that controversial Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli (R) could very well end up running for governor in 2013, which could produce a primary fight between him and Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling (R), whom term-limited Gov. Bob McDonnell has endorsed.
From the Washington Post: "Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli II (R) will reveal his plans next week to run for governor in 2013, according to well-placed Republican sources. Cuccinelli, a tea party hero who garnered national attention for suing the federal government over the health-care law, expects to make a formal announcement after the legislative session in the spring."
The Post adds that Cuccinelli would likely defeat Bolling in a primary: "Political observers say that Cuccinelli would easily win a nomination contest but could have a more difficult time in a general election, where successful Republicans often play down their conservative credentials."
McDonnell and Bolling cut a deal in 2009 and prevented a primary. Don’t expect Bolling to cut any sort of deal with Cuccinelli.
Cuccinelli’s time as attorney general has been marked by one controversy after another -– from an investigation into a climate-change study at the University of Virginia to gay marriage, abortion and even a tweet about Osama bin Laden.
Mark Murray is the NBC News Deputy Political Director and an NBC News First Read analyst. Domenico Montanaro is an NBC News Political Reporter and an NBC News First Read analyst. Read the national edition of First Read featuring Chuck Todd, Mark and Domenico on msnbc.com.
