Howell: “We’re gonna have to cooperate”

Two of Virginia’s most powerful budget negotiators say crafting a state spending plan during the upcoming legislative session will require serious cooperation and compromise.

State Sen. Janet Howell (D-Reston) and Del. Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights) fielded questions from reporters Tuesday during a day-long seminar sponsored by the Associated Press and the Virginia Capitol Correspondents Association.

Brown to Remain Budget Chief Under McDonnell

Finance Secretary Ric Brown will stay on in the same capacity for Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell (R).

McDonnell announced the appointment — along with four others — at a news conference Thursday.

The move puts Brown in an interesting position: drafting a budget for current Gov. Tim Kaine (D) which more than likely will be changed as soon as McDonnell is inaugurated.

That’s not likely to affect Brown’s approach to the job; he is widely respected among both Republican and Democrat lawmakers. An interesting note: Brown will now have served in some capacity under 11 governors.

Details about all of McDonnell’s appointments are after the jump.

State Launches Probe into Salahis’ Finances

The Commonwealth of Virginia is looking into the finances of America’s Polo Cup — a venture owned by Michaele and Tareq Salahi, the couple accused of crashing last week’s state dinner at the White House.

Thursday, the state Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services launched an investigation into the company’s fundraising practices.

That department has the authority to investigate possible violations of Virginia’s charitable contributions law.

Elaine Lidholm, a spokeswoman for the VDACS, said she cannot comment on the investigation.

Tareq Salahi serves on Virginia’s tourism board — a role which is now the center of a separate probe launched by Gov. Tim Kaine (D).

Webb Reacts to Obama’s Afghan Plan

Sen. Jim Webb (D) said he plans to push the administration to lay out “clearly defined and attainable goals” that ought to be reached before U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

On a conference call with reporters Wednesday, Webb reacted to President Barack Obama’s speech and to Capitol Hill testimony from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Defense Secretary Robert Gates — all tied to the buildup and eventual drawdown of  troops in Afghanistan.

Webb said he hopes the administration will focus on “conditions under which we can have an endpoint” instead of a specific date for withdrawal.

The senator also said he has concerns about the corruption and “lack of reach of the Karzai government” in the country.

Webb said the U.S. will also need to battle the opium trade in Afghanistan, though he admitted that will be hard to do.

“It’s difficult for us to come in…and say we can eliminate that situation.”

EXCLUSIVE: The Governor-Elect

In an exclusive interview, Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell (R) talks about his success on the campaign trail, his legislative priorities and how he’s preparing to tackle Virginia’s economic crisis.

Our report can be found here.

Below are extended clips from my interview with McDonnell.