RICHMOND, Va. - Virginia state Sen. Ken Cuccinelli will make a run at replacing state Attorney General Bob McDonnell, who is planning to campaign for Governor.

Cuccinelli, a Republican from Fairfax County near Washington D.C., organized a press conference Monday to announce his candidacy and has already constructed a website for his campaign.

"With the help of hard-working activists and the trust of voters in my district, I've won re-election last year in an increasingly difficult area for the GOP," Cuccinelli wrote. "I believe we can take that record on tour and advance the principles we share."

Cuccinelli is a business law attorney and partner in the law firm Cuccinelli & Day in Fairfax. He was first elected to the state Senate in 2002 in a special election, and current Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling was present at his Aug. swearing-in ceremony.

Bolling recently announced that he would not oppose McDonnell in his quest for the Governor's office.

"The Republican Party will move into the 2009 statewide elections united," McDonnell said. "As I begin to prepare for my campaign for Governor, I look forward to running next year with Bill as a ticket. We will remain strong partners in the effort to improve opportunity, freedom and justice for the people of Virginia.

"I have no doubt that, together, we will unite our party, we will unite our Commonwealth, and we will create a safer, stronger, more prosperous Virginia."

Cuccinelli, who promises "conservative leadership," earned his mechanical engineering degree at the University of Virginia and his law degree from George Mason University. He also has a Master's degree in International Commerce and Policy from George Mason.