Corporate lawyer Robert J. Grey Jr. confirmed today that he's considering running for mayor of Richmond "to continue the advancements and momentum made" under Mayor L. Douglas Wilder.

"I have always been among those who would have supported Mayor Wilder if he wanted to run for a second term," Grey said today in an e-mail to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

"Since the Mayor has announced his decision not to seek a second term, I have received phone calls and e-mails from friends and citizens encouraging me to consider running," Grey said. "I want you to know that I am considering it. I feel strongly that whoever decides to run, it should be everyone's priority to continue the advancements and momentum made under Mayor Wilder."

Grey, 57, is a partner in the Hunton & Williams law firm. He did not immediately respond to messages for additional comment.

Grey's candidacy could draw support from the business community that helped Wilder four years ago. His candidacy also would expand a race that many observers saw as having no clear frontrunner with Wilder now out of the mix.

Wilder, Richmond's first popularly elected mayor in more than 50 years, announced Friday that he would not run for a second term.

For decades prior to Wilder's election in November 2004, the mayor had been chosen by members of City Council.

Candidates face a June 10 filing deadline for the Nov. 4 election.

As of Friday, Paul Goldman, a former aide to Wilder, and Dwight Clinton Jones, a Richmond delegate, had filed paperwork to run. Others who have either said they're running or are considering it include City Council President William J. Pantele, Lawrence E. Williams Sr. and Donnie Corker.