It looks like Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle will have a clear path to the GOP nomination for re-election.

Republican state Sen. David Shafer on Monday said he was abandoning his bid for the state’s No. 2 spot. Shafer had entered the race when it looked like Cagle was running for governor.

But Cagle pulled out last month citing health problems and said he would seek re-election as lieutenant governor instead.

Shafer said Monday he entered the race because it was an open seat and said there was “no point” in remaining in if Cagle was well enough to run.

The other Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, state Sen. Eric Johnson of Savannah, has already said he will run for governor instead.

No Democrats have announced for the 2010 race.

Cagle, who underwent surgery on his spine last week, is recuperating at his home in Chestnut Mountain. A spokeswoman for Cagle said the lieutenant governor is resting comfortably.