VCU political science professor reflects on the challenges ahead for new Gov. Bob McDonnell

Gov. Bob McDonnell’s success in leading Virginia will be shaped by his ability to cope with state budget shortfalls in the worst economy since the Great Depression, according to Virginia Commonwealth University Political Science Assistant Professor Jennifer Thompson, J.D.

On the campaign trail, McDonnell promised to create jobs, improve transportation and balance the budget without raising taxes. Thompson said McDonnell’s ability to carry out those promises and deal with a budget shortfall will require painful and potentially unpopular decisions.

“Well, there’s a lot on Bob McDonnell’s plate,” Thompson said. “He said he’s not going to raise taxes, so he’s going to have to cut somewhere. It’s going to be a difficult choice.”

McDonnell has already announced plans to reopen rest areas along Virginia’s interstate highways and is considering the sale of ABC stores as he searches for solutions for traffic-clogged highways in Northern Virginia and elsewhere. But Thompson said the budget shortfall will dominate the 2010 legislative session.

“There’s no question that during this General Assembly session, it’s going to be budget, budget, budget, budget,” Thompson said.

McDonnell won the election by an 18 percent margin last November, and Thompson said he stands a better chance of maintaining his popularity with voters during difficult times by demonstrating he understands their struggles in a tough economy.

“One thing that he has done so far is that he has been very honest about how difficult the road is ahead of him, which is really the only choice that he had,” Thompson said. “He’s talked about himself taking a pay cut this year because so many Virginians are out of work and are having to experience pay cuts themselves. So that was a very practical, small move -symbolic– but I think important to show that he understands what Virginians are going through.”

Thompson said budget constraints could get worse for McDonnell beyond 2010 because federal stimulus money supporting state government functions ends and any economic recovery won’t be far enough along to positively impact the state’s finances.