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Cuccinelli or McAuliffe for two-term governor?

Posted at 4:04 PM, Jan 29, 2013
and last updated 2013-01-29 16:04:21-05

A constitutional amendment passed in the Senate Monday that would allow governors to run for re-election.

Currently, the governor of Virginia can only serve one term.

The bill would not extend a second-term to Gov. Bob McDonnell, however. A long road lies ahead of the bill before it could become law. 

The bill will have to receive two consecutive years of passage in both the Houses and Senate, and then get ratified by Virginia voters.

Supporters say it will allow successful governors to continue to help the Commonwealth.
Critics argue Virginia is efficient because governors have to accomplish their goals in one term.

If the bill progresses forward, then the winner of the 2013 gubernatorial race could serve two terms. 

The current Attorney General, Ken Cuccinelli, is running for the Republican ticket. He will face Terry McAuliffe on the Democractic ticket. 

A Quinnipiac University poll released in early January showed Cuccinelli and McAuliffe in a dead heat for Virginia’s 2013 gubernatorial race.  Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, who abandoned a bid for the Republican nomination after Cuccinelli announced his run, has not yet ruled out running as an independent.

Gov. Bob McDonnell was recently on MSNBC to discuss the governor’s race. He commented on Cuccinelli’s decision to retain his position as AG while campaigning for governor, something McDonnell did not do. You can see that clip here.