The Republican nod for Virginia attorney general remains Sen. Ken Cuccinelli's, at least for the time being. Sen. Mark Obenshain, R-Harrisonburg, announced Tuesday morning that he will not seek the third seat on the GOP's ticket in 2009.

Everything from e-mail graphics to legislative agendas pointed toward an AG run for Obenshain, the two-term senator from the 26th legislative district. But in the end, he decided now is not the time.

From an e-mail announcing his intentions:

To have the opportunity to serve Virginia's citizens as Attorney General would be a great honor and privilege. It is a job for which I feel well suited by my professional endeavors over the past 21 years and by my public service. I have been encouraged by phone calls, e-mails and comments from friends from across Virginia and for that I am grateful.

My family is the abiding consideration for me in deciding to forego a run at this time. I have two children in high school, and I am very proud of them. I understand the sacrifices my family would have to make in order for me to seek statewide office at this time, and they are too great.

Thanks to one and all for the encouragement you have provided both for my consideration of a run for AG, and for my service in the Senate of Virginia.

With Obenshain out and the top two spots on the ticket set -- Attorney General Bob McDonnell for governor and Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling seeking re-election -- the field narrows considerably. Jim Hoeft over at Bearing Drift has a good breakdown of the situation, while Old Zach at Sic Semper Tyrannis has info on the other possible contenders.

Regardless of the occupant of the third seat, the GOP ticket looks to be shaping up very early.