Early summer political grist

Bob McDonnell will start a 10 day blitz of TV ads across the state, hitting most areas with the exception of northern Virginia. The fact that he is spending $300,000 to improve his image during the early summer political lull, shows just how worried he is about Creigh Deeds. Taliban Bob is trying to spin out of his own past and distance himself from his political mentor, Pat Robertson.

Complicating the Democrats quest for a House majority, Delegate Kristen Amundson announced she will not seek a 6th term. Admundson, a reliable progressive from Mt. Vernon, cited financial reasons as the key factor in her decision. The district has a strong record of voting Democratic, but her withdrawal means Democrats will have to move quickly to nominate a candidate. Scott Surovell, Democratic chair in Fairfax Co., announced he will run. Republican Jay McConville and perpetual independent candidate Gail Parker are already in the race. The seat will remain Democratic, but now the party will have to shift some resources to a race that should have been on cruise control.