Republican Dino Rossi said this morning he will not run against Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell next year.

Rossi had been leaning against making the Senate race since May, when he lost a court fight over last November's governor's election. He had sued to overturn the election of Democratic Gov. Christine Gregoire.

Rossi said in a statement he had two major problems with another race so soon: the effect on his family and his long-stated goal of focusing on in-state issues.

"Right now I'm committed to turning this state around, and I need to stay here to accomplish that goal," Rossi said in his statement. "For these reasons, I will not run for U.S. Senate in 2006."

Rossi had been the first choice of many Republican leaders. His announcement clears the way for others testing the water. Potential opponents for Cantwell include Safeco CEO Mike McGavick, Republican activist and former federal prosecutor Diane Tebelius, former Congressman Rick White and state Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee.

Republican Party Chairman Chris Vance has said he and national Republican leaders want to avoid a primary and will work to have just one candidate enter the race.

"This will be the catalyst for things to move forward in the U.S. Senate Race," Vance said today. "There is a tremendous desire and I think consensus among Republican leaders that we need to unite behind one candidate."