Dems on McDonnell advisers list: I'm doing what now?

Some Democrats are saying they found out they'd been asked to serve as advisers to Republican Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell in a fairly unconventional way: This very blog.

Del. David Englin (D) said he was surprised to see his name included as a member of a committee advising McDonnell on natural resources on a list posted to the blog last week. He tweeted his reaction to his inclusion, prompting Del. Ken Plum (D) to check out the blog as well. And lo and behold, Plum said he discovered he too is advising McDonnell, on transportation.

Other Democrats said they knew their names had been put forward by House Minority Leader Del. Ward Armstrong as being willing to serve on transition committees. But they had not been formally given their assignments or asked to take part in any meetings or conference calls before the list circulated publicly last week.

"The governor-elect's office has an awful lot to do in a very short period of time. I don't fault them for not going through protocol," said Del. Bob Brink (D), who knew his name had been forwarded but did not know he had been assigned to advise McDonnell about economic development until he saw the list.

The Democrats said they were pleased to see McDonnell wanting to include their viewpoints as he prepares to take office Jan. 16. But, they said, they hope to hear more details about their advisory committee assignments soon so they can start doing some advising.

"If they're interested in hearing a diversity of voices, and if they're genuinely interested in my input as a Democrat, as a delegate from Northern Virginia, then, yes, of course, I'd be happy to be involved and make sure the interests of my constituents are represented," Englin said. "I'm just not interested in being window dressing."

Tucker Martin, a McDonnell spokesman, said there is no cause for concern.

"It appears some i's needed to be dotted and some t's crossed regarding making the appointments official. Those details are currently being taken care of. The working groups will benefit from the input and expertise of these Democratic legislators. We look forward to their partnership and participation in the transition process," he said.