McDonnell Names Transition Team

Governor Elect Bob McDonnell has already named his transition team. There will be five co-chairmen, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling; Attorney General Bill Mims; Tom Farrell, president of Dominion Power; Bobbie Kilberg, president of the Northern Virginia Technology Council; and Kay Cole James, a conservative activist who served in George Allen's and George W. Bush's administrations.

In addition to his five co-chairman, McDonnell is also being advised by former U.S. Reps. Tom Davis and Thelma Drake, former GOP Chairman Ed Gillespie, and Glen Huff, a prominent Virginia lawyer.

Trouble on His Left

2nd District Rep. Glen Nye may have some trouble with his liberal base. It seems many 'progressives' are upset that Nye voted against the Reid-Pelosi health care bill.

Let's face it Nye cast the right vote Saturday night, both in terms of policy, and politics. The fact is the 2nd district is Republican leaning; there is no way he could do both, voted for that bill, and get reelected in November.

However, the left wing Progressive Change Campaign Committee sent out an email denouncing Nye and all the other blue dogs that voted against the bill. I love it, maybe the liberals/progressives will find a primary challenger.

Republicans Pick Up Another House Seat

Last night Republican Ron Villanueva was declared the winner of the 21st House of Delegates seat which represents Virginia Beach. Villanueva led Democratic Del. Bobby Mathieson by just 14 votes, and Democrats are already claiming that they want a recount.

As they say, every vote counts!

Virginia State Spending increased 74 percent Over the Last 10 Years!

Liberals always like to complain about cuts in government spending, but if a new report is to be believed, there is nothing to worry about. Seems a new joint legislative audit and review commission report released on Monday finds that state spending has increased by 74% over the last 10 years.

The main reasons for the massive spending increases? The report cites population growth, inflation and federal mandates, but despite those reasons it still seems to me that we spend way too much money. Let the cutting begin!

House Democrats Pass 'Health Care Reform'

How the Virginia House Delegation voted. A no vote is the right vote.

R-1st Whitman-No
D-2nd Nye - No
D-3rd Scott-Yes
R-4th Forbes - No
D-5th Perriello- Yes
R-6th Goodlatte - No
R-7th Cantor - No
D-8th Moran - Yes
D-9th Boucher - No
R-10th Wolf - No
D-11th Connolly - Yes

I predict Perriello's vote will cost him his seat.

Will He Stay or Will He Go?

Most Virginians have never heard of Democrat state senator Edward Houck, but control of the Virginia state senate may be in his hands. There is speculation that Governor elect McDonnell might try to appoint Houck to a cabinet office thereby opening up the senate seat, which Republicans probably would pick up. One more seat and the GOP, with the vote of the Lt.Governor, would control the body. According to today's Washington Post:

One key senator Friday did not rule out the possibility of accepting such an offer. Sen. Edward Houck (D-Spotsylvania) , a longtime school administrator who was considered for secretary of education under both Kaine and Warner, said he would be willing to discuss an administration job.

"I would certainly be willing to talk to the governor-elect and his staff about whatever they want to talk about," he said. "I'm not looking for that, I'm not seeking that, but I'm willing to talk to them about anything."

Could be a great move on McDonnell's part, bring the moderate Houck into his administration, and in exchange pick up the state senate.