Why Would Anyone Want to Be the Next Governor of Virginia?

Given the horrendous financial situation Tim Kaine just outlined, I really wonder why anyone in their right mind would want to be the next governor of Virginia.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said Wednesday that state agencies will need to cut $1.5 billion more this year as Virginia suffers from the worst economic downturn since the 1930s.

Kaine (D) has asked state agencies for proposed cuts of up to 15 percent and will announce the specific trims by Labor Day. He said the shortfall will likely lead to an undetermined number of layoffs and a loan from the state's rainy day fund.

In other words, the next governor - Creigh Deeds or Bob McDonnell - will take office in January 2010 facing a horrendous budget situation. All their plans, whether for transportation or education or whatever, will be non-starters due to a complete lack of money. Which will leave them with no great options and basically no flexibility as governor to do anything. Does that sound appealing to you? If so, maybe you should run for governor of Virginia. Or, maybe you should consult with a good psychologist, because you very well may be delusional.

P.S. Actually, McDonnell might want to be governor to push his far-right-wing social agenda. That doesn't really cost any money, and he might be able to ram it through the Flat-Earth-Republican-controlled House of Delegates and the narrowly divided State Senate (although he'd need a defector or two for that). Also, McDonnell would be able to gerrymander redistrict the Commonwealth to his heart's content. So, I guess he's not totally delusional after all! Heh.