Rep. Rick Boucher (D), whom Republican strategists are trying to prod into retirement, said Wednesday that he plans to seek a 15th term this fall in the 9th district.

“I am planning to seek re-election. I have given no consideration to retiring,— Boucher said in a statement Wednesday. “While I never make political announcements this early in the year, due to the press inquires we are receiving, it is time to remove any doubt anyone has about my intentions.—

Boucher hasn’t faced a close race since early in his tenure even though his district has a decided conservative lean, particularly on cultural issues. Republicans think he could be vulnerable this year, though, pointing to his district’s strong vote for Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in the 2008 presidential election and Bob McDonnell (R) in the 2009 gubernatorial race.

Thus far, Republicans have been unable to persuade a top-tier candidate to enter the race. State Del. Terry Kilgore declined to challenge Boucher, but state House Majority Leader Morgan Griffith is weighing getting into the race.