Despite losing six seats in last week's elections, House Democrats re-elected Del. Ward Armstrong of Henry as their leader at the caucus's annual retreat outside Richmond this afternoon.

Del. Ken Plum of Fairfax was re-elected caucus chairman, the second-highest ranking Democrat in the House. (Plum was first elected to the post in January after Brian Moran resigned to run for governor.)

Dels. Jennifer McClellan of Richmond and David Englin of Alexandria were elected caucus vice chairmen.

Republicans picked up six House seats last week and are now at a 12-seat advantage in the chamber if a contested Virginia Beach seat switches to the GOP as expected.

About 30 of the 39 members attended the retreat. Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell spoke to them yesterday.

House Republicans hold their organizational meeting tomorrow at the state GOP headquarters in downtown Richmond. Speaker Bill Howell is expected to easily be re-elected, even though some of his members said they were frustrated with his leadership earlier this year.

By Anita Kumar  |  November 14, 2009; 6:22 PM ET
Categories:  Anita Kumar , Election 2009 , General Assembly 2010 , House of Delegates , Brian J. Moran , Robert F. McDonnell Share This:  E-Mail | Technorati | Del.icio.us | Digg | Stumble Previous: McDonnell announces senior transition advisors
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