McDonnell pledges ‘smooth transition’ to Gov.-elect McAuliffe

Bob McDonnell credited the administration of Tim Kaine with helping in his transition to the Virginia governor’s office four years ago. Now the Republican governor is pledging to assist the incoming administration of Gov.-elect Terry McAuliffe in the same fashion.

“I want to congratulate Terry McAuliffe on his election as the next governor of Virginia. There is no higher honor than serving in the same office once held by Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson,” McDonnell said in a statement Tuesday night. “Virginia is a Commonwealth of tremendous history and opportunity; this is the place where America began. The privilege of serving as governor carries with it immense responsibility, and I know Terry McAuliffe will act in the best interests of the more than 8 million people who call Virginia home.”

Elections are “hard-fought affairs,” McDonnell said, “but they have an end date.”

“For the 2013 campaign, that date is today. Now, the signs, stickers and ads must be put away. In their place must come comity, cooperation and a commitment to working together, across party lines, to continue to improve the quality of life of all Virginians. That’s what we’ve tried to do over the last four years,” McDonnell said.

The Republican current governor passes the mantle of Virginia being the country’s “best state for business” that he inherited from Democratic predecessors Kaine and Mark Warner to McAuliffe.

“Our unemployment rate is the lowest in the Southeast, and the third-lowest east of the Mississippi River. Our colleges are more affordable and accessible. Our state pension system has been fixed. Our K-12 system is innovative and productive. Our transportation system finally has the long-term, sustainable funding and reforms it has long needed. We’ve posted four-straight budget surpluses, held the line on general fund spending and our Rainy Day Fund will soon grow to over $1 billion. This is the direct result of bipartisan cooperation in the service of making life better for the people of Virginia and getting results. I’m confident that Gov.-elect McAuliffe will continue this great progress,” McDonnell said.

McDonnell said late Tuesday that he had already spoken to McAuliffe “and let him know that we are ready to assist with the transition and prepared to offer all the help his team will need as they prepare to lead our great Commonwealth forward for the next four years.”

“Again I congratulate Governor-elect McAuliffe, and I pledge to work in partnership over the next two months to ensure a smooth transition of power that is in keeping with the grand history of our beloved Commonwealth, and that best prepares the governor-elect and his team for their public service over the next four years,” McDonnell said.