McDonnell drops Hall from ABC Board

Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell has removed former Democratic Del. Frank Hall from the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, several sources tell us.

Hall was informed of the decision before McDonnell was inaugurated Saturday, and left office Friday despite asking repeatedly to be reappointed.

Former Democratic Gov. Tim Kaine appointed Hall to the commission in April after serving more than three decades in the House.

The three ABC commission jobs are widely considered some of the most plum posts in all of state government.

The two remaining commissioners -- Susan Swecker, former campaign manager to state Sen. Creigh Deeds, and Bill Pantele, a former Richmond City Council member -- are still at ABC for now. Both Democrats appointed by Kaine and could be removed at any time as McDonnell gets the board ready to make good on a campaign promise to privatize liquor stores.

The governor's press office did not answer questions about Hall this week and did not provide us with the letter sent to Hall asking him to leave.