VAIL, Colo. (AP) The district attorney prosecuting NBA star Kobe Bryant on a sexual assault charge will run for re-election while the case proceeds.

District Attorney Mark Hurlbert was appointed by Gov. Bill Owens in 2002. The Republican announced his plans Monday to seek another term in the district that includes Eagle, Summit, Lake and Clear Creek counties.

``Although I have accomplished a lot in the short time I have been district attorney, I still feel there's more I can accomplish and benefit the people of Eagle County,'' Hurlbert said.

Bryant was accused last July of raping a resort worker. The Los Angeles Lakers guard says the sex was consensual.

``We're getting bigger cases, such as the Bryant case,'' Hurlbert said. ``You need someone with experience and that is where I fit in.''

Hurlbert began his career in Eagle County in 1994 as a deputy district attorney. For now, he faces no GOP opponent. Debbie Marquez, a chairwoman of the Eagle County Democratic Party, said she expected a Democrat to run.