McDonnell to meet with House Democratic Caucus

Ten days after his lopsided victory diminished their numbers, Governor-elect Bob McDonnell will meet tomorrow with members of the House Democratic Caucus.

McDonnell accepted an invitation from the caucus to speak with members behind closed doors at the Crossings Resort in northern Henrico County.

About 30 caucus members are expected to attend, including House Minority Leader Ward L. Armstrong, D-Henry.

Matt Mansell, director of the House Democratic Caucus, said there is no specific agenda for the gathering with McDonnell, who succeeds Gov. Timothy M. Kaine on Jan. 16 and brings with him a healthy GOP majority in the chamber.

"The House Democratic Caucus wants to work with him where there's common ground and doesn't want to start off on the wrong foot," Mansell said.

"The governor-elect will be speaking about the importance of finding common ground in the effort to create jobs, get the economy back on track, improve our schools and fix transportation," said McDonnell spokesman Tucker Martin.

On McDonnell's coattails, House Republicans picked up at least five seats and possibly six, which would increase their number to 60 of the chamber's 100 seats, including two independents who caucus with the GOP. A contest in Virginia Beach appears headed to a recount.

Democrats have a two-seat edge in the 40-member Virginia Senate.

McDonnell, a former attorney general and ex-delegate from Virginia Beach, racked up an 18-percentage-point win over Democrat R. Creigh Deeds. It was the biggest percentage win for a Virginia gubernatorial candidate since 1961.

Contact Jeff E. Schapiro at (804) 649-6814 or .

Contact Jim Nolan at (804) 649-6061 or .