Path clear for Cuccinelli-McAuliffe governor’s race in Virginia

Virginia Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling on Wednesday exited his state's governor's race, paving the way for a showdown between Republican state Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli and former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe in 2013.

Bolling said he chose to drop out for the good of the Republican Party, which voted to choose its nominee by convention next year. "I know how divisive conventions can be, and I was concerned that a prolonged campaign between Mr. Cuccinelli and me could create deep divisions within our party," Bolling said in a statement.

Bolling's decision clears a path for Cuccinelli. Last week, McAuliffe emerged as the Democrats' likely nominee after Sen. Mark Warner's decision to steer clear of the race.