Republican Patrick Murray will again battle Democrat incumbent Jim Moran to represent Virginia’s 8th District in the House of Representatives.

The retired Army colonel lost to the 11-term congressman last year by a 24-point margin — the closest any challenger has come to beating Moran since he was elected in 1990. Murray announced his campaign for the 2012 election November 10.

“This decision to run for a second time took much soul-searching, thought and prayer,” Murray said in a statement. “Campaigns are a crucible, but, just as with my military service, this is a matter of duty for me.”

The 2010 race between Moran and Murray, energized by national political battles decrying and defending the Obama administration and Tea Party, was dashed with personal attacks on both sides.

Murray’s platform this time around includes job creation, a pro-life stance, a “market-based national energy strategy that allows for a diversified portfolio of energy” including “offshore exploration” and a commitment to veterans.

The 8th District includes Alexandria, Falls Church and parts of Fairfax and Arlington counties.