Democrats on McDonnell's commission will not challenge Malek

National and state Democratic parties had a field day Thursday with both a re-released tape of President Richard M. Nixon discussing his desire for then-aide Fred Malek to "particularly check the Jews throughout the administration" and a Post story that used newly released Nixon-era memos to show how deeply involved Malek was with tracking Jews.

But Friday afternoon, when Malek chairs his first meeting of Gov. Bob McDonnell's government reform commission, the three Democratic legislative members say they don't plan to protest too much.

Del. Bob Brink of Arlington and Sen. Louise Lucas of Portsmouth said in separate interviews they don't expect to say anything about Malek. Lucas said enough has been said about him already.

Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple of Arlington told us she will likely not reference the Nixon-era history but will publicly mention the personnel issue.

"The most important thing for the commission is to verify that all our work will deal with structure and organization and not personnel," she said. "That's something I will ask to have confirmed."

Other Democrats have called on McDonnell to replace Malek as chairman; Brink, Whipple and Lucas have not.

"I think governors are entitled to a fair amount of deference in the appointments they make,'' Whipple said. "If the governor's conclusion is that this is the best person in Virginia to head this commission, that's his conclusion.''.

The meeting starts at 1 p.m. McDonnell will speak at 1:10 p,m. You can watch the meeting streamed live at www.governor.virginia.gov and the commission Web site, www.reform.virginia.gov.