RGA Chooses McDonnell as Chairman

The Republican Governors Association has chosen Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell as its new chairman, replacing Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who joined the GOP presidential race Saturday.

Rumors already had begun about the possibility of McDonnell as a vice presidential candidate next year, and his new position will give him more national prominence.

The Virginian has said he’d accept a vice presidential nomination if it was offered, but that he’s not trying for the job and plans to finish out his term as governor, which ends January 2013.

“I look forward to working with my fellow Republican governors to expand our majority and ensure the RGA remains the most effective political committee in the nation,” McDonnell said in a statement.

“Republican governors are leading the way in helping the private sector create new jobs, reforming government and getting our economy back on track.”