Virginia's 2013 statewide elections are still far off. So far, most of the attention has focused on Republican gubernatorial candidates Ken Cuccinelli and Bill Bolling.
But now the Democratic ticket is creating some buzz following recent reports that Terry McAuliffe, a likely candidate for governor, is looking to assemble a team that could include Richmond Commonwealth's Attorney Mike Herring.
First elected to office in the fall of 2005, Richmond's top prosecutor owns a reputation as a highly competent, no nonsense attorney. And that's exactly what Democrats are looking for in their next attorney general candidate, according to CBS 6 Political Analyst Dr. Bob Holsworth.
"To a number of Democrats, the idea that someone like Mike Herring, a local prosecutor in a big urban place, could be the kind of pedigree that the Democrats might like for their candidate,” Holsworth says.
This news comes on the heels of a Washington Post article, which highlights a meeting between likely Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe and Mike Herring about a run for attorney general.
CBS 6 News contacted Mr. Herring Tuesday to find out if he intends to enter the race. We have not received a response yet.
Holsworth says Herring has many factors to consider.
"Very few people get 'anointed' to their political positions today. It's an entrepreneurial, competitive place. And you gotta run. And you gotta run hard. And I think that's the question that a lot of people have, and want to see, whether Mike Herring really wants to do this," Holsworth says.
Democrats haven't held the Attorney General's Office since 1989.
Holsworth told CBS 6 other potential candidates include Senator Donald McEachin,
Delegate Jennifer McClellan, and former House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong.
