Fishwick Drops Out of AG Race

John P. Fiscwick Jr., a Roanoke attorney, announced this afternoon he is abandoning his bid for the Democratic nomination for attorney general.

Fishwick's decision means Del. Steve Shannon (D-Fairfax) is currently running unopposed for the nomination.

Fishwick, who entered the race two months ago, said in a statement he had raised over $160,000 for his campaign but has decided he wants to remain in the private sector.

"For now, my role should remain in the aggressive private practice of law, fighting against injustice and for people whose lives and livelihood depend on that representation," Fishwick said. "I made this decision only after the most difficult deliberation."

Fishwick faced an uphill climb to the nomination. Although he is well-known in the Roanoke Valley, he would have had to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to broaden his appeal in vote-rich Northern Virginia, where Shannon resides, and in Hampton Roads.