Former federal prosecutor John Brownlee says he will announce Tuesday whether he will seek the Republican nomination for state attorney general.

Brownlee announced his resignation as U.S. attorney for the Western District of Virginia last month, and his last day on the job was Friday. President Bush appointed Brownlee in August 2001.

The 43-year-old Brownlee said in a written statement Monday that he will announce his plans at a news conference in Roanoke. Brownlee has said only that he is seriously considering a run for attorney general, and his statement was equally vague. However, the statement was issued on "John Brownlee for Attorney General" letterhead.

Republican state Senator Ken Cuccinelli of Fairfax County is the only announced candidate for the position.