Updated: McDonnell, House Dems to meet

Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell will meet with House Democrats behind closed doors outside Richmond tomorrow afternoon.

House Democrats, led by Minority Leader Ward Armstrong (Henry), invited the incoming governor to speak. About 30 of the 39 members are expected to attend what is an annual retreat for the caucus.

Armstrong said the caucus always invites the governor -- or incoming governor -- to talk to the caucus no matter which party he represents. Policy issues that House Democrats and McDonnell may have in common include bipartisan redistricting and increasing the governor's opportunity fund.

McDonnell spokesman Tucker Martin said the governor-elect plans to talk about "the importance of finding common ground and working together to create jobs, turn our economy around, improve our schools and fix our roads."

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

McDonnell, who spent 14 years in the House before he was elected attorney general, has yet to speak to any of the General Assembly's caucuses.