Gov. Bob McDonnell's rise on the national political scene placed him before hundreds of Republicans on Monday in one of the most political states in the country, an opportunity he used to criticize the president and talk about "the Virginia story."
The new chairman of the Republican Governors Association and the subject of vice presidential speculation headlined a Republican Party fundraiser here, delivering a roughly 14-minute speech that ranged from aiming to capture the state's governorship in 2012 to reversing President Barack Obama's 2008 wins in Virginia and New Hampshire.
"We're both really realizing that we made a big mistake back in 2008 because both of our states went for President Obama," he said. "I hope you're all ready to fix that problem next year in New Hampshire."
He said the country is facing challenges with a "crushing" unemployment rate and "no coherent national energy policy."
"It is time for a change. And that's why I'm so excited to be able to be here," he said.
In his first national appearance since taking over as RGA chairman, McDonnell took a few questions from the roughly 400 people who paid $100 for a ticket to the general reception or $175 to add a photo reception.
David Topping of Dover, N.H., gave McDonnell credit for "talking about real solutions" in his speech.
As for vice presidential speculation, Topping said, "I think he could bring something to the table. I think it would depend on who he was the VP selection for."
Di Lothrop of Nashua, N.H., said she would want to hear more about McDonnell's stances before she would consider him for a higher office.
"He seems personable; he seems to know his business. I like him from what I've seen here."
But, she added, "I still need to know more" about his positions, including about his stance on immigration.
McDonnell said after the event that he has not had discussions with presidential candidates about potentially joining a ticket. He says he does not plan to endorse until after the November legislative elections, if he does at all.
Among those accompanying McDonnell were his wife, Maureen McDonnell, his chief of staff, Martin Kent, and a political adviser, Phil Cox.
The campaigns of GOP presidential hopefuls Ron Paul, Rick Perry and Mitt Romney had tables set up at the event. New Hampshire is a key state with an early presidential primary, and residents are accustomed to seeing national political figures visit.
McDonnell joins a group of GOP notables who, according to the state party, have headlined the fundraiser in past years, including former Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele and Karl Rove, once a political adviser to President George W. Bush.
Democrats in both states reacted to McDonnell's visit.
Back home, Virginia Democratic Party spokesman Brian Coy said, "After two straight months of increases in Virginia's unemployment rate even as the national rate declines and a massive increase in the number Virginia families living in poverty since last year, we can only hope that taking a little time off will make Bob McDonnell a better governor when he comes back."
New Hampshire Democrats, meanwhile, issued a fundraising plea to its members calling McDonnell "out of touch" with the state's values.
It said he "cut hundreds of millions of dollars from public schools," "attempted to regulate women's health clinics that provide abortions out of existence" and cited his relationship with religious broadcaster Pat Robertson.
It sought donations to tell McDonnell that "his extreme agenda won't work here in New Hampshire."
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