ROANOKE -- Former U.S. Attorney John Brownlee this morning announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination for state attorney general next year.

At a press conference in Roanoke, Brownlee said his experience as top federal prosecutor in western Virginia qualifies him to be the state's top law enforcement officer.

"The U.S. Attorney's Office is an office that is similar to the Attorney General's office. I had a criminal division, I had a civil division, I had an appellate division," he said.

Brownlee described himself as a pro-life candidate and said he's running on a platform he calls "Justice for All."

His opponent for the Republican nomination would be state Sen. Kenneth Cuccinelli of Fairfax County. No Democrat has announced a candidacy for the post.

Brownlee, 43, was appointed the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Virginia in 2001. He announced his resignation last month and Friday was his last day on the job.

-- Rex Bowman