Democrat Brian Moran of Alexandria resigned from the House of Delegates today so that he can be a full-time candidate for governor.

Moran is one of three Democrats pursuing the party's 2009 nomination for governor. By resigning from the House, Moran can continue to campaign and raise money while the General Assembly is in session in January and February. State law prohibits legislators and statewide officeholders from raising campaign cash during the legislative session.

State Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Bath County, announced his candidacy for governor a year ago but has not indicated that he would leave the legislature to campaign full time. Former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe of McLean formed a campaign committee last month and will formally announce his election plans in January. Democrats expect McAuliffe to raise substantial funds for his campaign.

Attorney General Bob McDonnell has no opposition for Republican gubernatorial nomination.

Moran, the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, sent a letter of resignation to Gov. Tim Kaine today. A Moran aide said the announcement was timed so that a special election to fill Moran's seat could occur before the assembly session begins on Jan. 14.

"I have come to this decision after long deliberation and discussions with my family," Moran said in a letter sent to constituents of his House district.

"While the decisions made in the coming 45-day General Assembly session are important, the leadership of Virginia for the next four years is even more critical," Moran wrote."Today’s troubled times demand proven leadership. I believe that the best thing I can do for the people of Alexandria, Fairfax and the entire state, is to win this campaign for governor."