McDonnell Unveils Legislative Agenda

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.

McConnell is backing a variety of bills aimed at fighting illegal immigration and reforming the state's mental health system in the wake of last year's shootings at Virginia Tech.

But his agenda included several unorthodox issues that hint at his future political ambitions, including a proposal that would ban a water pollutant from being used in dishwashing detergent.

He also wants to do more to help offenders transition back into their communities after they conclude their prison terms.