The Virginia General Assembly convened for the 2010 Session on Wednesday January 13th at 12:00 Noon. I was sworn in for my fifth term representing the residents of Louisa, Goochland and Henrico counties who live in the 56th District.

Along with the returning Delegates, 20 newly-elected Members were sworn in. The largest class of freshman delegates in a non-redistricting year, they represent 1-in-5 of the House membership. I have been impressed at how they have “hit the deckplates moving….”

The next order of business was the announcement of committee assignments by Speaker Bill Howell. In addition to the House Courts of Justice, Commerce & Labor and Privileges & Elections committees where I served last year, Speaker Howell has named me to the prestigious Rules Committee. I am told that I am one of the most junior House members ever appointed to Rules. I also will continue to be the Chairman of several sub-committees, most notably Constitutional Amendments and Judicial Selection.

The first few days of the Session have been consumed with organization and administration, as well as the festivities surrounding the Inauguration of Bob McDonnell as Virginia’s 71st Governor. I have served with Bob as a Member of the Courts of Justice Committee, which he chaired, and worked closely with him when he was Virginia’s Attorney General. Bob and Maureen also happen to be my constituents (they are keeping their home in Henrico in my district), although over the past several days I’ve heard proud Virginians call Bob “Mount Vernon’s Own, Virginia Beach’s Own, Hampton Roads Own…..” Bob McDonnell is already shaping up to be a Governor for all Virginians.

On Saturday, Rose Ann and I were present to see Bob sworn in as Governor, along with our friend Bill Bolling as our next Lieutenant Governor and Chief Job Creation Officer, and our friend Ken Cuccinelli as Attorney General. As Bob’s Delegate, I served in the formal escort committee, complete with gray morning coat, tails and gloves. We escorted the new Governor from his temporary quarters to the Capitol to be sworn-in.

Thousands of Virginians came to be part of this historic moment, and to witness historic re-enactors portray great Virginians such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry. There were National Guard units on parade, a flyover by Air Guard F-22 Raptors, and a 21 gun salute.

Before I was sworn in in 2002, the only other time I had been in Richmond on Inaugural Day was to march in the parade for Governor Chuck Robb. So the highlight of Saturday’s festivities was to join Governor Bob McDonnell at the podium, along with “Brother Rats” Scott Lingamfelter and Tommy Norment, as the Corps of Cadets of the Virginia Military Institute passed in review.

As Virginia’s newest Governor, Bob McDonnell escorted his wife and family to their new home, vacated only moments before by Tim Kaine and Anne Holton. Bob scored major points when he carried his bride Maureen over the threshold like a newlywed…..

Rose Ann and I enjoyed the Governor’s Ball, and especially the opportunity to celebrate with folks from around Virginia who came to see Maureen McDonnell introduced for the first time as “Virginia’s First Lady.”

I am just leaving to get some dinner before I must take my seat on the floor of the House Chamber, to hear Governor Bob McDonnell deliver his first address to the Joint Assembly on the “state of the Commonwealth.” Based on the address he delivered on Saturday, which many present described “more poetry than politics,” I look forward to being inspired, encouraged and motivated. “This looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship…..”

To be continued soon…….