Virginia Senator Jim Webb today announced that he won't seek re-election next year to the seat he won from George Allen in 2006. The announcement comes as a mild surprise, though it had been rumored that Webb was considering returning to the private sector.

"It has been a great and continuing privilege to serve in the United States Senate," Webb, a Democrat, said in a statement. "I am very proud of my talented and dedicated staff, which has worked tirelessly to resolve the issues on which I based my candidacy, and to protect the interests of all Virginians in this national forum."

Allen, a Republican, recently announced he would seek the seat again next year. He'll be challenged for the Republican nomination by Tea Party candidate Jamie Radtke of Henrico.

"Notwithstanding this decision, I have every intention of remaining involved in the issues that affect the well-being and the future of our country," Webb said.