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.

The Republican candidate for governor, Bob McDonnell, and Speaker of the House William J. Howell, R-Stafford, are asking Virginia’s congressional delegation to remove requirements that led Republicans in the House of Delegates to reject $125 million in federal stimulus funds for unemployment insurance. The House Democratic leader, Del. Ward L. Armstrong, D-Henry, said the McDonnell-Howell request is a sign the Republicans have lost the public relations battle over a vote turning down the money for unemployment benefits that would have gone to about 9,000 unemployed part-time workers and unemployed people training for other jobs.