Experienced bird may jump into race

John Edwards, a state senator from Roanoke, is considering entering the race for attorney general. Edwards ran in 2001, losing the nomination to Donald McEachin. He considered running in 2005 but eventually decided against it - Creigh Deeds was the Democratic nominee that year. Rumors of Edwards' possible entry surfaced this fall, but seemed to have diminished some by the end of the year.

If he enters the race, Edwards will face Steve Shannon, a delegate from Fairfax County, for the nomination. Shannon has had the field to himself and has over $746K in his campaign coffers. Since Edwards is a member of the General Assembly he will, if he decides to run, have to wait until after the session to begin fundraising. Virginia law prohibits members from raising campaign cash during the session - a prohibition that also affects Shannon and Deeds, as well as Senator Ken Cuccinelli who is seeking the GOP nomination.

Senator Edwards made his comments just after Governor Tim Kaine delivered his State of the Commonwealth Address.