Bolling won't run for governor in 2013

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Virginia Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling says he won't run for governor in 2013.

In a statement released Wednesday, Bolling says the state GOP's decision to pick the party's 2013 nominees through a convention creates too many obstacles for his campaign to overcome.

Statement: Bolling exits governor's race

His decision leaves the Republican gubernatorial race wide open for Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.

The convention nominating method favors the more conservative Cuccinelli.

Gov. Bob McDonnell released the following statement regarding Bolling:

" I am saddened that my great friend Bill Bolling has decided not to seek the Republican nomination for Governor next year. Bill has been a strong governing partner over the past three years and I know this decision was not easy for him. Bill is a conservative statesmen committed to bringing people together to find solutions and do what is right, an exceptional quality for an individual in public office. He would have been a very good Governor."

Bolling says he plans to remain involved in the 2013 campaigns. He says he wants to ensure that candidates focus on important issues facing Virginia and offer a "positive and realistic vision" for leading the state.