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Virginia Republican Bill Carrico seeks state senate seat

Republican delegate Bill Carrico announced his decision on Monday to run for state Senate.

Carrico declared his candidacy three days after Republican Senator William Wampler announced his decision to retire. Wampler, 51, kept his seat in GOP hands for 24 years. His announcement Friday surprised both Republicans and Democrats.

Carrico has worked closely with Wampler over the years and considers him a mentor and friend. So far, Carrico is the only candidate running for Wampler's seat.

Carrico, 49, is a retired state trooper and has served in the Virginia House of Delegates since 2002. He has already received support by Virginia Republicans and appeals to conservative groups, as well as Tea Party activists. He has a 100 percent pro-life record, and has worked to amend the Virginia constitution to allow prayer in schools and other public areas. He ran for Congress in 2006, but lost to Democrat Rick Boucher.

Carrico, a Pentecostal, spent much time in prayer before deciding to run for state senate. He also sought the guidance of his family.

"I am a leader and a fighter," Carrico said, "I am not afraid to challenge the ACLU, the EPA, nor the Obama Administration when they tread on the rights and freedoms of the people. I believe the government should be responsible to the people, not the people responsible to the government."

With a net gain of two Senate seats, Republicans would retake the state Senate majority the Democrats won in 2007. That would put both General Assembly chambers and the governor's office under GOP dominance for the first time in 10 years.

Monday's announcement helps shape November elections that determine whether Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell can institute his conservative vision of state government during his final two years in office.

"I defended the Constitution as a Virginia State Trooper," Carrico said, "I have protected the Constitution as a Delegate. I will live by the Constitution as a Senator."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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