New Hampshire Attorney General Kelly Ayotte, a Republican, today announced her intention to resign so that she can explore a run for the U.S. Senate, the Union Leader reports.

"Recently, many New Hampshire citizens have urged me to run for United States Senate. I appreciate their confidence in me," she said in a statement. "After discussing this matter with my husband, Joe, and our family, I have decided to resign as Attorney General in order to explore a campaign."

She said that the attorney general's office "has a long tradition as a nonpartisan, independent office," and she's resigning to preserve that. Her resignation is effective July 17. "I do not intend to discuss my future plans or politics in any detail until such time as I leave the Attorney General's Office," she said.

Democrats, including the governor who twice appointed her, John Lynch, have tried to pressure Ayotte not to run by holding her to a promise Lynch says she made when he reappointed her, that she would serve out the complete term. Ayotte has not addressed that claim.

If she does indeed run for Senate, it would give Republicans a solid chance to hold retiring Sen. Judd Gregg's (R) seat. Rep. Paul Hodes (D-N.H.) is the likely Democratic nominee. A recent poll showed Ayotte narrowly leading him.

UPDATE: The New Hampshire Democratic Party is weighing in with a statement tying Ayotte to Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who announced her resignation Friday.

"We're seeing a national trend where Republicans have abandoned their responsibilities to their constituents in favor of political gain," said state party chairman Raymond Buckley. "From Alaska to New Hampshire, Republicans just can't seem to honor their commitment to the public. Not unlike Sarah Palin, Kelly Ayotte has broken her promise to the people she represents and put politics before public service."

Buckley also stated that Hodes will be successful no matter who wins the GOP primary.