McDonnell and Jones will face a new test of their friendship this year during long and tense negotiations over legislative districts. But it’s been difficult for him to keep out of the spotlight as his leadership role grows. Unlike McDonnell, Jones avoids publicity, focusing on the next item on the agenda rather than the TV cameras. It’s a position he secured through expertise in health care, finance and computer databases – as well as the $393,500 he’s made in campaign donations to fellow Republicans over the past seven years. Mark Warner on a 2004 tax increase led to years of estrangement from party leaders, is now a central member of the GOP’s inner circle. He’s also busy polishing his national image with frequent appearances on cable news networks that tout his government reform initiatives. After 14 years as a GOP leader in the House, McDonnell is learning how to reach out to Democrats without taking Republicans for granted. “I am who I am.”īoth men are still growing into new roles. “I was never in your face about it,” he said. Once elected, Jones was the only freshman Republican who didn’t co-sponsor the legislation. Jones agreed to run, but he quickly showed his independent streak by declining to support gubernatorial candidate Jim Gilmore’s plan to abolish the car tax. McDonnell accurately predicted the GOP would soon control the House. A pharmacist and former mayor of Suffolk, Jones had already rebuffed a similar invitation from Democrats. As a delegate, McDonnell recruited Jones to run for a House seat in 1997. Their relationship has developed over many years. “You can’t hold grudges because your opponent on one bill may be your best friend on the next.” ![]() “There’s a natural tension between the legislature and the executive branch,” McDonnell added. E-Pilot Evening Edition Home Page Close Menu
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