McDonnell, Senate Dems trade budget barbs

A battle of bulletins broke out between Gov. Bob McDonnell and Senate Democratic leaders Thursday, an escalation of rhetoric escalation ahead of upcoming critical votes on legislation to define Virginia's next biennial budget.

McDonnell fired first, releasing to reporters a letter he sent Sens. Richard Saslaw and Donald McEachin asking them for feedback on the budget and cooperation with Republicans to pass a spending blueprint.

"I ask you again in writing with a renewed sense of commitment what your specific ideas are to prepare a Senate budget that you will support," the governor wrote.

Democrats, who are still sore over the GOP's unwillingness to share power in the Senate split 20-20 between the parties, have enough votes to force a budget stalemate that McDonnell wants to avoid.

"I trust that certain comments made by some members that your caucus will not approve any budget for partisan reasons is not reflective of the statesmanship normally seen in your caucus," the governor's letter reads.

Saslaw last week suggested Democrats won't vote for the budget; McEachin made similar comments Thursday.

In their response to McDonnell, they expressed willingness to consider a budget that "offers real transportation solutions, returns money to classrooms and students" and protects social safety net programs for vulnerable Virginians.

Democrats disagree with the governor's spending proposals for education and road funding, among other items, and their leverage from the threat of a budget standoff could help them secure concessions they want.

But their seeming budget obstinacy may also be about political payback.

"Immediately after the election, when we could have and should have been coming together, you and the rest of your party engaged in harsh partisan rhetoric," the letter from Saslaw and McEachin reads.

"Therefore, I find your concerns about partisanship to be rather ironic," it continues. "Further, your release of your letter without waiting even reasonable time for a response smacks of gamesmanship and not of an effort to resolve our differences."

-- Julian Walker

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