Attorney General Robert F. McDonnell (R) announced today that he will return his state car, reduce his salary by two percent and trim his office budget by nine percent following this week's news of a possible $3 billion state budget shortfall.

"These are difficult times,'' he said. "This economic downturn, and sustained uncertainty, is forcing Virginia families and businesses to make hard decisions, and Virginia's government must do likewise."

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) will begin implementing the statewide cuts early next month after releasing the state's new forecast for the rest of the two-year, $77 billion budget period that began July 1.

ST. PAUL --- After seeing Texans wearing matching cowboy hats and Pennsylvanians waving matching yellow towels, Virginians have come up with their own symbol to show off on the convention floor tonight.

The Virginia delegation will be wearing white T-shirts that proclaim, "Virginia is for McCain-Palin lovers," a play on the state's longstanding slogan. Look for them to the left of the stage next to the New Mexico delegation.

Attorney General Robert F. McDonnell, delegation chairman, presented the T-shirts to the state's 63 delegates and 60 alternates this morning. McDonnell, the likely Republican nominee for governor next year, paid for the T-shirts.

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 -- Virginia delegates and other guests from the state gathered last night to play pool, air hockey and other games at the delegation's "Arcade Night" welcome party at the Minneapolis hotel where they are staying this week for the Republican National Convention.

The atmosphere was festive despite news that most of Monday's convention activities would be canceled due to concern about Hurricane Gustav hitting the Gulf Coast.

Among those in the crowd were Pat Boone, the 1950s singer turned conservative commentator; John H. Hager, former lieutenant governor and father-in-law to Jenna Bush; and U.S. Reps. Tom Davis and Thelma Drake.

Drake, who is in a tough re-election battle in Hampton Roads, was the only elected official from Virginia scheduled to speak during the convention until her speech on Monday was postponed, perhaps canceled, because of Gustav. Drake, who had planned on flying back to Virginia Tuesday, said she was disappointed she would probably not speak after all.

"Everyone understands the impact of the storm,'' she said.

MINNEAPOLIS -- Members of Virginia's delegation to the Republican National Convention said that presumptive presidential nominee John McCain did the right thing by scrapping much of tomorrow's activities due to a hurricane bound for the Gulf Coast.

"The Republican party is the party of life,'' said Jonathan Krive, chairman of the Falls Church City Republican Committee and a convention delegate. "The most important priority for us is to make sure the folks in Louisiana and other states are safe."

Virginians still plan to attend the RNC Delegate Welcome Party scheduled for tonight at the Minneapolis Convention Center. The Republican Party of Virginia also will continue to hold its "Arcade Night" welcome party, sponsored by Norfolk Southern, and its delegation breakfast tomorrow morning.

"I think it's appropriate,'' said Del. Jeffrey M. Frederick (Prince William), state GOP chairman. "We've got to balance this stuff out. Hundreds of people are here. They can't be stuck in hotels."

Frederick said he is trying to determine how to raise money at the Virginia events for the potential hurricane victims along the Gulf Coast.

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."

As Sen. Barack Obama spent his second straight day in Virginia, Attorney General Robert F. McDonnell (R) blasted the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee for his lack of experience.

"Senator Obama is clearly an historic figure and an articulate spokesman for his party but he is perhaps the most inexperienced person to run for president of the United States,'' he said.

McDonnell, who will run for governor next year, told reporters that Obama is "wrong" for Virginia on the key issues of national security, taxes and spending and energy.

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.

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."

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.

Del. Brian J. Moran of Alexandria, who is expected to run for the Democratic nomination for governor next year, has opened an office in downtown Richmond.

Moran, who is chairman of the Democratic caucus in the House of Delegates, had all his staff (about seven people) working out of an office in Alexandria until last month. Now, one staffer who is raising money has been located a few blocks from the Capitol in Richmond. That office is likely to expand in the coming months.

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."

Former Virginia House of Delegates member Paul Harris has sent a letter to supporters to tell them he has decided not to run for the Republican nomination for attorney general next year.

"In its simplest terms, the joy of spending time with my three children far outweighs any desire I have to be attorney general," Harris said.

Harris, an Army veteran and former U.S. Deputy Attorney General, served two terms in the House representing Albemarle County, just outside Charlottesville.

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."

Politicians from around the state will flock to tiny Wakefield on Wednesday for the 60th annual Shad Planking, a longtime Virginia tradition where politicians come to see and be seen.

Speakers include U.S. Senate candidates, Republicans James S. Gilmore III and Robert G. Marshall, and Democrat Mark R. Warner. It may the only time the three men share a stage before a Republican nominee is picked next month.

Democrat Sen. R. Creigh Deeds, who is running for governor next year, and his potential rival, Del. Brian J. Moran, both sent their staffs to Wakefield today to help Warner's team set up.

Sen. Mark D. Obenshain (R-Harrisonburg) told supporters today that he will not run for attorney general next year.

"My family is the abiding consideration for me in deciding to forego a run at this time. I have two children in high school, and I am very proud of them," he wrote in an email. "I understand the sacrifices my family would have to make in order for me to seek statewide office at this time, and they are too great."

Obenshain wrote in an email that he had been encouraged to run for several months.

Del. Robert B. Bell (R-Charlottesville) said this afternoon that he will not run for state attorney general in 2009. He said his wife is pregnant so the timing is not right for him to launch a statewide campaign.

Bell, elected in 2001, had been gearing up for a run for more than a year. As of Dec. 31, Bell had raised $300,000, giving him an early advantage in the money race.

Former Virginia House of Delegates member Paul Harris announced today that he is considering running for the Republican nomination for attorney general next year.

"I am consulting with Republican Party and conservative leaders around the state,'' Harris said in a statement. "I continue to receive strong encouragement to run for attorney general from prominent Republican leaders, former colleagues from the Justice Department, former constituents from the 58th House District, and from citizens in every region of this great Commonwealth."

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."

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.

Attorney General Robert F. McDonnell's campaign committee, McDonnell for Virginia, raised $605,040 in the second half of last year, according to newly released financial reports. He contributed more than $123,000 to local and state Republicans in the November election.

The committee has $585,812 on hand that could be spent on candidates for office -- that includes his own possible run for governor in 2009.