McDonnell, conservative legislators mingle at the mansion

Virginia's Conservative Caucus is meeting with a governor tonight for the first time in nearly a decade.

The caucus did not meet with former Democratic governors Mark R. Warner or Timothy M. Kaine -- or even Gov. Bob McDonnell in his first year in office, though McDonnell was a member of the conservative caucus when he was in the legislature.

"This is the first administration to welcome the conservative caucus as a group to the mansion in awhile,'' said Del. Ben Cline (R-Rockbridge), the group's House chairman. "We share so many priorities with the governor. It's going to be a friendly event. We want to encourage the governor to continue to focus on conservative priorities -- keeping taxes low, keeping regulations low and making sure we look out for faith and family in our policies -- something he shares."

The caucus, which has been around for decades, currently boasts nearly 40 legislators from the House of Delegates and Senate.

McDonnell will host them at a reception tonight at the Executive Mansion.