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McDonnell campaigning too much for Romney?

Posted at 11:42 PM, Jul 25, 2012
and last updated 2012-07-25 23:42:02-04

RICHMOND, Va (WTVR)- From speeches at campaign events around the state to trips across the state border, the governor isn't losing any steam when it comes to ensuring a victory for Mitt Romney in November. However, some critics wonder if he's losing steam when it comes to his job as governor.  This comes after his cancelled appearance on WRVA radio's ‘Ask the Governor,’ in exchange for a Romney campaign event.

“A lot of that time available to make decisions is blocked off by national politics, “says political strategist, Paul Goldman.

Goldman points to the controversial ultrasound bill during this year's general assembly session as an example, saying, had the governor been fully involved and informed, such a bill would not have made it as far. "He would have picked up that it was a political loser for him much earlier,” says Goldman

So far, the governor has traveled to North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan as well as Florida. On Thursday, add Iowa to the list.

“The governor's doing what he can for Mitt Romney ,” says McDonnell’s spokesperson, Tucker Martin. Martin says it's in no way interfering with McDonnell’s job as governor, saying, he's usually back in Virginia to handle state affairs that same day. Martin also tells us, the governor believes his campaign work is still state work.  “What happens nationally affects us right here in the commonwealth. The governor does believe we need new leadership in Washington  to make things better in Virginia,” says Martin.

Former Governor’s Tim Kaine and Mark Warner endured the same criticism during their terms as governor.