RICHMOND, Va. (CBSDC/AP) — Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli is establishing a campaign committee to run for governor.

Cuccinelli says in a news release that he filed Thursday with the State Board of Elections to formally establish the committee.

The Republican says he’s running for governor to continue the work he’s undertaken as attorney general and as a state senator to strengthen the economy, preserve citizens’ liberty and promote smaller, more efficient state government.

Cuccinelli, a strict conservative who closely follows the Constitution, has also served as a member of Virginia’s state senate after being elected in 2002.

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