ST. PAUL --- Many members of 123-member Virginia delegation, who spent the day at back-to-back events, had not yet heard the news Monday afternoon about the pregnancy of the 17-year-old daughter of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, Sen. John McCain's running mate. Those who had took it in stride, saying it was not a story and not an issue that would hurt the race.

"It's always unfortunate when something like this happens," said Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, a convention delegate. "It's a challenge to any family. But it kind of shows there is no difference [between the Palin family] and what any other American family has to deal with. Families involved in politics and leadership aren't any different."

Bolling said the news will probably not hurt McCain because Palin's daughter made the right decision to have the baby and get married.

"It's unfortunate,'' said Brian O'Connor, a delegate who lives in tiny Rice, Va., near Farmville. "But they made a decision to get married."

MINNEAPOLIS -- Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling's re-election campaign canceled an order for 150 guidebooks produced in the Twin Cities that devoted a section to gay and lesbian tourists.

Bolling (R) had planned to give the guidebooks, published by the Rake, to the 123 members of the Virginia delegation to the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minn.

A Bolling spokesman said Monday that the lieutenant governor never saw a copy of the guidebook but would not have had a problem with it.

A staffer reviewed a copy and canceled the order because of the section for gays and lesbians, said Randy Marcus, Bolling's chief of staff and a convention delegate. Bolling's campaign ordered another guidebook for the delegates and alternates instead.
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MINNEAPOLIS -- A couple hundred Virginians began their first official day at the Republican National Convention at a breakfast where they prayed for Gulf Coast hurricane victims and GOP presidential and vice presidential hopefuls, Sen. John McCain and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

A slew of speakers talked up McCain, including James Woolsey, CIA director during the Clinton administration; retired Major General and Medal of Honor recipient Patrick Brady; Ken Blackwell, former Ohio secretary of state and first African-American to be a candidate for governor of a major party in that state; and U.S. Rep. Dan Lungren of California.

"No other leader in America, no one today, has had his experiences, has demostarted his guts or is better qualified to lead American in a time of war,'' Brady said.

The "McCain surrogates" were making the rounds at various delegation breakfasts and other events at the convention this week. They spoke about energy, abortion rights, homosexuals in the military, flag burning and other issues.

MINNEAPOLIS --The 123 members of Virginia's delegation to the Republican National Convention started to arrive in the Twin Cities Saturday.

A Radisson hotel near the University of Minnesota will be home to both the Virginia and U.S. Virgin Islands delegations for the next week. Huge banners erected on the front of the hotel greeted both groups.

The Republican of Virginia is providing each delegation member with a goodie bag -- courtesy of corporate sponsors CSPAN, Capitol One and others -- that includes Virginia peanuts, hand sanitizer, an alarm clock, a red-and-blue stress ball in the shape of an elephant, a small towel and a pin with the American and Virginia flags.

The Republican National Committee also supplies each delegate from across the nation with its own gift -- a bag that includes a copy of Sen. John McCain's book Faith of My Fathers, a pocket guide to the U.S. Constitution, a pedometer, a water bottle, popcorn and macaroni and cheese.

Virginia Republicans came out swinging this morning at Sen. Barack Obama's pick to be his running mate. The quick response is another indication that the GOP is not taking Virginia for granted, even though Gov. Timothy M. Kaine will not be on the ticket.

Until recently, it was Virginia Democrats who were known for their quick response in the race between Obama and Sen. John McCain, the presumptive Republican nominee.

Here are statements released this morning from McCain's leadership team in Virginia:

Del. Chris Saxman, campaign co-chairman:
"By selecting Joe Biden for vice president, Barack Obama has shown voters that not even Governor Tim Kaine can hide the fact that he is out of touch with the core values held by the hard-working families of Virginia. Virginians deserve a president and a vice president who understand that we need a comprehensive solution to the energy crisis, lower taxes for Virginia's families and who have a record on strong national security. What Virginia doesn't want is an inexperienced presidential ticket that will raise taxes on families and industries that are most important to Virginia's economy. John McCain believes in lower taxes, energy solutions and a stronger national security. Voters in Virginia will support John McCain for president because they always know where he stands."

Former Attorney General Jerry Kilgore, campaign co-chairman:
"Barack Obama has sent Virginia voters the message by choosing Senator Joe Biden as his running mate that he just wasn't seeing the momentum in Virginia that he had hoped. Barack Obama spent two full days campaigning in Virginia, and his message is not resonating. There is no question in the minds of voters that he will raise taxes on Virginia families, ignore the energy crisis and continue to support retreat and surrender in Iraq. Voters in Virginia will support John McCain because he is a proven leader and ready to be commander in chief on day one. He believes in lower taxes for Virginia families and has an 'all of the above' plan to solve our energy crisis. I am proud to help John McCain to victory in Virginia in November."

C. Richard Cranwell, chairman of the Virginia Democratic Party, is considering running for lieutenant governor next year.

Cranwell, a 30-year fixture in the House of Delegates who plans to step down from his post when his term expires in 2009, told friends that he is considering running for the Democratic nomination in 2009.

House Minority Leader Ward L. Armstrong (D-Henry) said he will wait to decide who to support until Cranwell makes his decision.

"I learned a lot from him,'' Armstrong said. "He's one of the best legislators I have known."

Jody M. Wagner resigned today as Virginia secretary of finance. She is expected to announce in the coming days that she will run for lieutenant governor next year. Her last day is Aug. 8.

"Jody Wagner's fiscal stewardship is one of the reasons why Virginia has been named best managed state and best state to do business," Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said in a statement. "Her dedication and talents have secured Virginia's triple A bond rating and helped keep Virginia on the right track in a challenging economic environment. She has devoted herself to service, putting Virginia first, and she will be missed as an invaluable member of my team."

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling (R) plans to run for re-election. Wagner will face fellow Democrat Jon Bowerbank, a businessman and member of the Russell County Board of Supervisors, who is already running.

Jody W. Wagner, secretary of finance, may not have officially resigned to run for lieutenant governor yet but several people close to Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) say he has already picked her replacement.

Richard D. Brown, director of the Department of Planning and Budget, is expected to be named finance secretary after Wagner resigns next week to launch a bid for lieutenant governor in 2009.

Wagner said last week that she plans to consider her options while on vacation this week. But several people in the Kaine administration say she has already told the governor that she will resign.

Thousands of people withstood the 90-plus-degree heat today for the unveiling of a monument outside the state Capitol that commemorates those who helped bring about the end of school segregation across the state and nation.

They included NAACP Chairman Julian Bond, actor Blair Underwood, poet Nikki Giovanni, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, former governor Mark R. Warner, Attorney General Robert F. McDonnell, House Speaker William J. Howell and several other members of the General Assembly.

But L. Douglas Wilder, the nation's first elected black governor, who now serves as Richmond's mayor, was noticeably absent.

Jody W. Wagner, secretary of finance for Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D), is expected to resign in the coming weeks and launch a bid for lieutenant governor in 2009.

Wagner said today that she plans to consider her options while on vacation next week. But Democrats who are close to Kaine's administration said Wagner plans to resign by the end of the month after returning from vacation.

"I'm trying to figure out what to do,'' she said.

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling (R) plans to run for re-election. Wagner will face fellow Democrat Jon Bowerbank, a businessman and member of the Russell County Board of Supervisors, who is already running.

Former GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney will be in Virginia Thursday to help Lt. Gov Bill Bolling ( R) raise money for his 2009 reelection bid.

Romney, a former Massachusetts governor and potential GOP vice-presidential candidate, will appear with Bolling at a fundraiser Thursday afternoon at The Ritz Carlton in Arlington. Romney and Bolling will then travel to Richmond for a "Burgers with Bill" barbecue. The two are also planning several joint media appearances.

Last year, Bolling endorsed Romney's presidential bid and later served as the co-chairman of his Virginia campaign. Romney dropped out of the presidential race a few days before Virginia's primary on Feb. 12. Bolling is expected to run unopposed the Republican nomination next year but will have to try to fend off a challenger in the general election, although a Democratic candidate with high name recognition has yet to emerge.

Attorney General Robert F. McDonnell and Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling celebrated an early birthday with hundreds of supporters tonight at the state Republican convention in downtown Richmond.

The state's two top Republicans have been appearing frequently together in recent weeks to promote their ticket for governor and lieutenant governor in 2009. They offered drinks and cake with the words "2009 Winning Team" written in icing to toast their shared birthday of June 15.

"Bill and I don't just share a birthday, we share the same beliefs,'' McDonnell said to a packed room.

Almost 500 Republicans from across the state gathered in downtown Richmond tonight to hear Vice President Dick Cheney speak at the party's annual fundraiser. Cheney, who plans to build a house in McLean after he leaves office in January, encouraged those in the audience to vote for Republicans in November, including Sen. John McCain for president in November.

"You and I belong to the party of limited taxes, limited government and free enterprise,'' he said to applause. "We understand that government exists not to be the people's master but rather their servant."

Jon Bowerbank, a businessman and member of the Russell County Board of Supervisors, filed papers with the state Board of Election to run for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor in 2009.

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling (R) plans to run for re-election.

In honor of Memorial Day, the state's top Republicans, Attorney General Robert F. McDonnell and Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, paid tribute in a ceremony at the state Capitol to Virginia soldiers who died in the last year. A pair of F-18 fighter jets and Blackhawk helicopters flew overhead.

It was the second year that McDonnell - a likely candidate for governor next year - has organized the event.

Last year, people in downtown Richmond were alarmed by the loud noise made by the fighter jets so this year, the Attorney General's Office tried to make sure more people knew about the event.

John Brownlee, the former top prosecutor for Virginia's western district, is expected to announce tomorrow that he is running for the Republican nomination for attorney general next year.

Brownlee, whose last day on the job was Friday, has scheduled a news conference tomorrow morning in Roanoke.

Brownlee, 43, has been U.S. Attorney since 2001. A graduate of Washington and Lee University and the William and Mary law school, Brownlee previously served as an assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. In Virginia, Brownlee is best known for efforts to combat illegal drug use, including going after the makers of Oxycotin for alleged deceptive marketing.

Attorney General Robert F. McDonnell, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and Republican Party of Virginia Chairman John H. Hager anounced today they are leading an effort to build the party's grassroots organizations across the state.

The effort calls on local Republican committees to double their membership lists by Labor Day. Those that do will receive extra money to support their activities, including get-out-the-vote efforts for the November elections.

"Reaching out to those Virginians who share our principles and getting them involved is essential to strengthening the Republican Party and winning elections," Hager said. "This initiative reflects the unity within the party and will pay dividends not only in 2008, but in years to come as well."

David M. Foster, former chairman of the Arlington County School Board, announced today that he is considering running for the Republican nomination for attorney general next year.

Foster, 54, a long-time member of the Arlington County Republican Committee, served on school board from 2000 to 2007.

State Sen. Ken Cuccinelli II (R-Fairfax), one of Northern Virginia's few conservative elected officials with grass-roots support across the state, recently announced plans to run. Former House of Delegates member Paul Harris and U.S. attorney John L. Brownlee, the top prosecutor for Virginia's western district, also are considering running.

In a sign that Virginia Republicans are ready to move beyond their recent internal divisions, 50 elected and party officials announced today they are supporting Attorney General Robert F. McDonnell and Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling in next year's state races.

Last month, Bolling announced he will seek reelection next year, which cleared the way for McDonnell to run for governor. McDonnell, so far the only GOP candidate in the race, said he and Bolling will run as a team, giving the GOP ticket a potential advantage over the Democrats, who may be distracted by a primary battle for governor between Del. Brian J. Moran (D-Alexandria) and Sen. R. Creigh Deeds (D-Bath).

In a letter, all eight Republican member of Congress from Virginia, every Republican district chair, the entire General Assembly GOP leadership team and the leadership of the state party said they were endorsing the McDonnell-Bolling ticket.

"A McDonnell-Bolling ticket will unite our Republican party around its core conservative principles," the letter stated. "After two successive Democratic administrations, now is the time for our Republican Party to unite behind this strong, energetic ticket."

Prince William Board of County Supervisors Chairman Corey A. Stewart (R) said today he will not run for lieutenant governor next year now that Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling (R) has announced he will seek reelection.

Bolling said Monday he will support Attorney General Robert F. McDonnell (R) for governor instead of seeking the nomination himself.

"I was surprised. I had no idea it was coming," Stewart (R-At Large) said of Bolling's announcement. "I really want to be lieutenant governor, but this is the strongest ticket. It's the best thing for the party."

Bolling's decision also upset the political futures of Del. Tim Hugo (R-Fairfax) and former state Sen. James K. "Jay" O'Brien (R-Fairfax), who also said they will not seek the nomination for lieutenant governor.

--Kristen Mack

Attorney General Robert F. McDonnell and Lt. Gov Bill Bolling, both likely GOP candidates for governor next year, today endorsed James S. Gilmore III in the U.S. Senate race.

Gilmore, who was governor from 1998 to 2002, is running against Del. Robert G. Marshall (R-Prince William) for the GOP nomination for the seat of retiring U.S. Sen. John W. Warner (D). The party will select its nominee at a convention in May.

In a statement, Bolling said Gilmore is one of "the most consistent and principled conservative leaders" he has ever known.

"Jim Gilmore knows what he believes in, and he fights for it, when it's easy and when it's not," Bolling said. "That's the kind of leader we need representing us in the United States Senate."

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, chairman of Mitt Romney's campaign in Virginia , released the following statement after Romney decided to drop out of the presidential race:

This week's winners

House Speaker William J. Howell -- Despite lots of pressure from delegates, Howell stands firm in opposing an increase in the daily allowance, or per diem, citing the state's budget shortfall.

Del. Steve Shannon (D-Fairfax)- Campaign finance reports show that Shannon, a possible Democratic candidate for attorney general next year, has over $202,000 in the bank. Shannon is also speaking more often on the House floor, which may help raise his profile in preparation for a statewide campaign.

Del. Lionel Spruill Sr. (D-Chesapeake) -- Spruill earns headlines nationwide over his bill to make it illegal to hang rubber testicles from a vehicle hitch.

Earlier today, we told you how much money Attorney General Robert F. McDonnell (R) has in the bank as he considers a run for governor in 2009. Some of his potential rivals have as much or more money than he does.

Republican Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling's political action committee, Building a Better Virginia, had $418,000 cash on hand at the end of the year.

On the Democratic side, Del. Brian J. Moran (D-Alexandria), had about $600,000 in his two accounts for Friends of Brian Moran and Leadership for Virginia's Future. Meanwhile, Sen. R. Creigh Deeds (D-Bath) has almost $300,000 in his three accounts.

Get ready to be inundated with a series of potentially competitive elections.

Because of the Democratic resurgence in Virginia, voters are going to be facing more choices at the polls over the next two years than they have in decades.

It all starts Feb. 12, with the Republican and Democratic presidential primaries.

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling (R) has endorsed a bill by Del. L. Scott Lingamfelter (R-Prince William) that would allow Virginia voters to register with a political party.

Bolling sent a letter to lawmakers today that says party registration would "maintain the integrity of the party nomination process in Virginia" and allow candidates "to more effectively identify voters and efficiently communicate with them."

In an interview last night, former governor and U.S. senator George Allen said he probably would not be taking sides in the brewing fight between Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and Attorney General Robert F. McDonnell for the GOP nomination for governor in 2009.

"They are both well qualified and would be outstanding governors," said Allen, who yesterday ruled out his own bid for governor.

Even if the former governor stays on the sidelines, McDonnell and Bolling will immediately start battling to win over his supporters.

Attorney General Robert F. McDonnell (R) unveiled his legislative priorities Tuesday, a day before the state's lawmakers get to work for this year's 60-day session in Richmond.

It came the same day former governor and U.S. senator George Allen announced he will not run for governor in 2009. Allen's announcement clears the field a bit for McDonnell, who could face Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling for the Republican nomination.

Lt. Gov Bill Bolling (R) said today Virginia Republicans believe they would have a much harder time defeating Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill) than they would Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) in this year's presidential race.

A Democratic presidential nominee has not won Virginia since 1964, but Democrats believe their luck may change this year.

Bolling, who is state chairman of Mitt Romney's presidential campaign in Virginia, said he thinks a Republican will still win Virginia's 13 electoral votes. But Bolling said "without a doubt" he thinks Obama would pose a stiffer challenge to the GOP nominee.

"He is a new face, a fresh face with a very appealing message, and no where near as divisive as Hillary Clinton," Bolling said in an interview. "Clearly, he would be a stronger candidate for Democrats."

As first reported this morning by the Associated Press, former governor and U.S. senator George F. Allen (R) announced today he will not run for governor again in 2009.

Allen's decision sets up a potentially nasty fight for the GOP nomination for governor between Attorney General Robert F. McDonnell and Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling.

Allen's statement:

Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling (R) sent a letter today to Republicans in the General Assembly today outlining his support for a repeal of the abusive driver fees and encouraging them to support a repeal as well.

Bolling, a potential GOP candidate for governor in 2009, said he and many Republicans initially thought the fees would be a legitimate way to raise money for transportation and make Virginia's highways safer. But, he said, the legislation inadvertently applied the unpopular fees to less serious offenses and will generate less money than expected.

" While this was the most noble of efforts, it simply has not worked out the way it was intended, and it has become terribly unpopular in the public eye,'' Bolling wrote. "That is why I favor the total repeal of the abusive driver fees, as opposed to their modification."

The annual Virginia Republican Party Advance is the ultimate venue for schmoozing, jockeying for attention and laying the groundwork for future bids for office. So here's my take on the winners and losers of this weekend's event, which drew about 650 party activists and leaders to the Hyatt Regency at Crystal City.

Advance Winners -

Attorney General Bob McDonnell - The attorney general hosted a party for GOP activists on Friday and Saturday nights. Both were well attended, and there were plenty of people throughout the weekend wearing "Bob McDonnell" stickers. There also was a strong sentiment from GOP activists that McDonnell should run for governor in 2009, even if former governor and senator George Allen enters the race.

George Allen - While Allen wasn't nearly as visible as McDonnell was, the former governor and senator gave what many considered to be a strong, inspiring speech in support of Fred Thompson's presidential bid.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney today became the first Republican presidential candidate to qualify to appear on the ballot in Virginia's Feb. 12 presidential primary. A day earlier, U.S. Sen. Barack Obama qualified as the first Democrat.

At 1:30 p.m. today, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling (R) and Del. Christopher Kilian Peace (R-Hanover) submitted the necessary petitions and paperwork to the state Board of Elections in downtown Richmond to include Romney on the ballot.

For those who can't get enough of Virginia elections, time to look ahead to the governor's race in 2009.

Yes, there is a U.S. Senate and presidential election next November. But with former governor Mark R. Warner (D) an early favorite to win the Senate race, the election for governor will be the contest that will really decide whether Virginia is turning blue or if party gains this decade were caused largely of President Bush's unpopularity.

An occasional list of people in the news who came out on top. Or not.
This Week's Winners
George Allen - The former governor and senator reemerged onto the political stage this week with an op-ed in the Richmond Times Dispatch and a press conference announcing his support for Fred Thompson's bid for the GOP nomination for president. In both settings, Allen began to reassert his influence into the Virginia Republican Party. At the press conference, Allen was affable, humble, folksy and talkative.

Planned Parenthood - After Democrats' success in the Nov. 6 legislative elections, the women's rights organization feels emboldened to crow about its renewed influence in state politics. The organization sent out a press release Monday noting that Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) wants to cut off state funding for abstinence-only sex education programs. Planned Parenthood says the election results proves Virginia voters back Kaine's approach because they are "tired of ideology."

While most Republican and Democratic leaders in Virginia will be sweating the results of tomorrow's crucial election, GOP state party chairman John H. Hager will be partying at the White House with President Bush.

Hager, a former Bush administration official and future father-in-law of the president's daughter, will be a guest at a dinner honoring French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

Earlier this week, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and other prominent Virginia Democrats kicked off a week-long tour of the state to energize voters to go to the polls Tuesday. Virginia Republicans countered by saying they, too, were having their own bus tour around the state.

Each day this week, the Republican Party of Virginia has said it would send out information on the tour, scheduled to start Friday. But as of Friday morning, we have not heard a word.

Winners:
Mark Tate- All campaign finance fraud charges were dismissed against the former GOP Senate candidate from Loudoun County after the prosecutor said the case had been tainted by allegations of improprieties in the investigation.

Tim Kaine Two different polls came out during the past week showing Kaine's approval ratings remain strong, despite the summer-long controversy over abuser fees and illegal immigration. Kaine has also proved he's a prolific fundraiser. Kaine's political action committee, Moving Virginia Forward, has $1 million in the bank to spend in the campaign's final days. With three weeks to go until the election, Kaine is popular and rich. What more could a politician ask for?

Jim Gilmore: The former governor scores a big victory by convincing the Republican State Central Committee to hold a convention over a primary to select its nominee in next year's U.S. Senate race. Gilmore also appears hungry to get back into the game. He showed up at the central committee meeting and was personally lobbying members right up to the vote. His chief rival, Rep. Thomas M. Davis III (R-Va.), was campaigning for his wife, Sen. Jeannemarie Devolites Davis.

It looks like Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling is getting ready to do some serious campaigning. No, not for himself. He's hitting the road to help Republicans running for local and legislative offices in Nov. 6 election.

Just check out his schedule next week: