For all “Fred Heads”, the former Tennessee U.S. Senator has put his money on Attorney General Bob McDonnell for governor in 2009.

McDonnell is only one of three gubernatorial candidates Fred Thompson is supporting.

As you are well aware by now, the commonwealth is some $2-3 billion in the hole because Jody Wagner, former Secretary of Finance and Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, forgot to carry “the one”. Regardless of how we got here though, now is time for state “leaders” to demonstrate what they’re made of.

You can get no clearer picture on how government should respond than by looking at the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and Attorney General Bob McDonnell.

Both the AG and LG have slashed their budgets: The AG by 9.1% over the biennium and the LG by 7.5% next year.

“These are difficult times. This economic downturn, and sustained uncertainty, is forcing Virginia families and businesses to make hard decisions, and Virginia’s government must do likewise,” said Attorney General Bob McDonnell, candidate for governor in 2009. “As the Governor determines what budget cuts to order by executive action I have taken this proactive step. Our office has cut our general fund budget by 9.1%, totaling nearly $3.8 million, and increasing our total budget cuts over the past two years to 14.1%. Also, I have returned my official state car, and reduced my salary by 2%.”

Bolling said that while his budget cut won’t significantly impact reducing the shortfall, actions speak louder than words.

“As Lieutenant Governor, I have been a consistent advocate for controlled state spending and keeping government focused on its core responsibilities,” Lieutenant Governor Bolling said. “Certainly tough decisions lie ahead. However, these challenges also present us with an opportunity to look for further efficiencies in state government and implement other strategies to assure that we are spending the taxpayers’ money more effectively.”

Now that the AG and LG have demonstrated their leadership, will Sen. Creigh Deeds (D-Bath) be able to convince Majority Leader Saslaw to spend the taxpayers’ money more wisely? Or how about Del. Brian Moran (D-Alexandria)? Will he be able to lead his party to work with House Republicans at coming up with a balanced budget? Will these two Democrats, who want to be your next governor, be able to match the will of McDonnell and Bolling?

Of course, we need not worry about what Jody Wagner would do: She obviously would just round down. And as for the governor, since he has all sorts of free time on his hands now that he wasn’t selected for VP by Sen. Barack Obama, maybe he’ll actually take a look at the budget this time.

Attorney General Bob McDonnell traveled to Louisiana to meet with Gov. Bobby Jindal and volunteer with the ongoing rebuilding efforts. Norm has the details.

It’s not the most glamorous group in the world, but it is one which might save you a buck or two.

According to a Bolling/McDonnell press release, “The [Infrastructure in Virginia] Working Group will review governmental rules and regulations regarding education and transportation construction infrastructure in order to increase efficiencies, reduce bureaucracy and mitigate adverse impacts on Virginia businesses and individuals.”

Meaning: save you money.

While Democrats Del. Brian Moran and Sen. Creigh Deeds voted in favor of massive tax increases to fund transportation and Gov. Tim Kaine’s transportation bill failed to muster even a single vote, it would appear that Republicans have solid ground in 2009 to demonstrate why they are the party of ideas and Democrats are mired in the same tired, old, tax-and-spend stereotype.

You would think, then, Republicans would be looking forward to setting the conditions in 2009.

Attorney General Bob McDonnell is calling for extensive VDOT reforms before raising any taxes commonwealth-wide. I had the opportunity to catch-up with him at his Richmond office to discuss his ideas on this special session and possible outcomes.

 

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In a poll conducted by Public Policy Polling, a group out of North Carolina, regarding Virginians’ preferences for governor, Attorney General Bob McDonnell out-paced both his potential Democratic rivals, Sen. Creigh Deeds and Del. Brian Moran.

But that’s not the story.

Yesterday, Virginia leaders and dignitaries paid respect to Virginia citizens who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of freedom during the Global War on Terror. 29 more names were added to the wall which now bears the names and images of 170 servicemembers who gave all for us.

Former Gov. Douglas Wilder, America’s first African-American governor, has decided not to seek re-election as mayor of Richmond.

Since Wilder’s term as governor, candidates seeking elected office, have always sought his endorsement.

From today’s Virginian-Pilot:

“I don’t see anything positive in the plan that could make it something that could be considered,” said House Majority Leader Morgan Griffith, R-Salem. “It’s all tax, tax, tax.”

The Republican Party of Virginia (RPV), Attorney General Bob McDonnell, and Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling have come up with a great idea to motivate local city and county GOP committees at taking a proactive approach to party growth and outreach — give them more money for achieving outreach goals.

This morning, a letter was released from every Republican member of Congress from Virginia, every Republican District Chair in Virginia, the entire General Assembly GOP leadership team, the leadership of the State Central Committee, and a host of other prominent and involved Republican leaders voicing their strong support of Bob McDonnell for Governor, and Bill Bolling for Lieutenant Governor in 2009.

Bearing Drift is please to be joined by Attorney General McDonnell to discuss this letter and what it means for party unity and the campaign ahead in this exclusive podcast.

 

 AG Bob McDonnell - Apr. 30, 2008 [9:57m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (930)

It should come as no surprise to any of us who have followed politics for a number of years that Attorney General Bob McDonnell from the time he was a delegate has been a strong proponent of merit-based judicial selection.

In today’s Virginia Politics On-Demand, Attorney General Bob McDonnell gives his first blog interview since last week’s announcement by Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling that he would be seeking re-election. McDonnell discusses HB3202 and his role, the importance of a united ticket, the U.S. Senate race, State Sen. Ken Cuccinelli’s announcement that he is running for Attorney General, the legislative session, illegal immigration, and more!

You can listen to Virginia Politics On-Demand on PodShow, download our feed to iTunes or other podcatchers, or stream it here:

 

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