Bob McDonnell: I stand with Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker

Virginia Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell expressed support for his Wisconsin counterpart, Gov. Scott Walker, in an interview with CBS News Monday night, arguing that "every governor's got tough choices to make."

"We've got to set priorities, we've got to make government more accountable and I think Gov. Walker realizes that means state employees have got to pay a little bit more for their benefits," McDonnell said. "I'm asking our state employees to do more this year, so I support what he's doing."

Walker warned of layoffs Tuesday after two weeks of public workers protests against his proposals to end collective bargaining rights.

McDonnell said he inherited a $4 billion deficit when he became governor a year ago, which he turned into a surplus by cutting spending.

"We made tough choices, what I think the president failed to do this time," McDonnell said. "That's what Scott Walker and many other governors, Republican and Democrat, are doing is to say we can't afford to do things the same way."

Regarding reports that he may be seeking the Republican vice presidential nomination, McDonnell told CBS News he's "not campaigning for anything."

"I'd just like to be part of the national debate on the issues of spending and fiscal responsibility," he said. Though he said 2012 is "so far down the road," McDonnell did say there are "four or five great [Republican presidential] candidates right now, most of whom are former governors or current governors."

McDonnell refused to offer specific names but did say that "governors make great chief executives." Among the former and current governors considering a run for the GOP nomination are Mitt Romney, Mitch Daniels and Tim Pawlenty.

CBS News spoke with McDonnell at a President's Day "Thanks USA" event for veterans and military families in Virginia. The governor's eldest daughter served in the Army, service that included a tour in Iraq.

"Military families so much appreciate the love, support and prayers," McDonnell said. "If you know you're supported, you're going to work harder, you're going to be more focused on your mission."

Christine Delargy is an associate producer for CBSNews.com. You can read more of her posts here. You can also follow her on Twitter here: http://www.twitter.com/cbswashunplug.

[010sonny]

Have noticed, that there are those that claim, that it is the Unions that have brought the problems to their communities. They have negotiated far more favorable terms and benefits for their constituents than the government. Solution is obvious. Replace these failed negotiators of the government, that are more in the red than the black,& with Unions. Impeach the failed negotiators, of the republicans, and elect the Unions. It has been and continues to be proven that Unions are more beneficial and responsible to their constituents, than their local governments. Members from the various Unions, say like; the Police, Firefighters, Teachers, Library's, and so on and so on to sit on the councils no republicans allowed. Election of a Union member to represent each individual Union. This way Non Union and want to be's can vote and keep an eye on them. Both from the Union laborers and the general public. Koch and his cronies want Capitalist elitist to represent the laws, we know where that leads. Note Roberts Court ruling of unlimited funds from corporations to our politics is now legal ! No disclosure required ! Notice Koch first in line, with China and Iranians corporations, waiting to purchase our Democracy. Ironic all this from a family that goes by the name !KOCH!, Fascism, dictators and Imperialism. " We The People " would be better, represented by the Unions, than an elitist minority. Who's sole purpose is to expand the population of P-ONS.
Does it not state in our constitution; "We The People In Order To Form A More perfect Union" ! OH Yeah ! Anyone for a spot of Tea?

[Cattzen]

Union Busting is an across the board amalgamated solidarity by the Republican Party on a national scale to attack the Working Middle Class and, to divert state revenues to the upper private corporate interests with tax breaks.

The Middle Class needs to vote for their own better interests, and that is not provided (as evident) by any GOP Candidate.

[Rodeo_Joe]

Walker's "budget repair bill" = NO-BID contracts option for PUBLIC UTILITIES by the Gov.

Why the all the rush, Gov. Walker? Campaign Payback time?

[nearl451]

Does Virginia have a recall law? Would be fitting.

[RobAla]

"McDonnell said he inherited a $4 billion deficit when he became governor a year ago, which he turned into a surplus by cutting spending."

That says it all. Finally, a responsible politician who can exercise common sense and discipline. Thank you. Governor McDonnell for your example. When is President Obama going to get the message?? I would guess, never.

"We've got to set priorities, we've got to make government more accountable.." That statement makes me want to jump to my feet and cheer. That is the kind of talk we have been missing. More importantly, the action of this Governor is the action that we have been missing. There may be hope for this nation.

I believe Governor McDonnell is on the short list to be selected as a VP for whoever wins the Republican nomination for 2012. He would be a great asset.

[010sonny]

Many on this thread are bashing the unions. Weak minded, naive and or ignorant they be. They did vote in a Republican government didn't they? That pretty much sums it up.
Consider Roberts Court ruling of Jan. 2010 allows for corporations with unlimited funds and no disclosure required ! First in line Koch Brothers! Chinese and Iranians patiently await their turn to purchase pieces of our nations through their corporations funding to our politicians. Mussolini defined his Fascism as the incorporation of the corporations to the state ! Bingo exactly what you now are experiencing. First order of the regime is to dispose of all unions. Gee is that Koch standing over there? Your new master making sure everything is going according to their plans. Peculiar, ironic? Family of !KOCH! to purchase our democracy !
Union is the culprit of the miss management of the government's negations? Emitting that the union representatives are superior in negations to them? Perhaps this would be a good time to impeach this republican losing outfit and elect the unions to be the government? They do take better care of their constants don't they. Oh yeah like that idea&

[RobAla]

010sonny: You were misinformed on the Supreme Court's decision, and President Obama was absolutely wrong in his statements on the issues during last year's SOTU address. I looked up the ruling, and it banned foreign contributions. See below:

44See, e.g., 2 U. S. C. ?441e(a)(1) (foreign nationals may not directly or indirectly make contributions or independent expenditures in connection with a U. S. election).

I personally would like to get rid of all contributions from all groups, and only allow contributions from individual Americans. However, if you allow unions to give - then all groups should be given the right to give - including corporations. An American group is an American group.

[nearl451]

Multi-nationals....that are registered US entities, Rob. No way or requirement to trace funds.

Look at it again, genius.

[12358]

Here in Oregon, the collective bargaining of the Public Employees Retirement system (PERS) have given the teachers a guaranteed salary for life and a guaranteed 8% return on their retirement funds, both of which they payed nothing towards. So when the private sector saw their 401ks plummet, our state employees still got their 8% return, which came from the general fund. 3/4ths of the school budget goes to teacher benefits, They are out of wack and are bankrupting the system. I don't hate teachers and know how important they are. They do deserve good wages and benefits. They are college educated and are doing a tough job, but they need to tow the same weight as the rest of us and can't expect their benefits to be any better than public professionals. The Unions exist solely for the purpose of the teachers. I guess this is what unions do, but by doing that they are destroying the education system in this country. Our schools are full of wonderful teachers, but
there are also way to many bad teachers protected by the unions. If this was the public sector they would have shaped up or been fired. Good teachers are not rewarded no matter what there performance, only longevity is considered in pay raises and layoffs, while the bad ones keep hanging on till retirement so they can retire with full pay and benefits.

[010sonny]

Unions are not the culprit if things are as you say they are. Poor management and negotiations would have to be investigated. Have you ever known for the government not to run in the red. In particular with republican agendas. If unions protect their constituents better than your government then perhaps you should be considering changing horses.

[12358]

It's because of years of Democratic control of the state government where they gave the unions everything they asked for. I agree that this may have been avoided if we didn't let the Democrats do the negotiating.

[kimsun1]

America needs Gov. Walker.
Wisconsin senators go home and do your job.

[010sonny]

Pray tell what is that lurking in the shadows of the beast of Fascism. KOCH brothers no doubt. Seeks to devour unions. Remains of what is left of the P-ONS will straight forward retard to their servitudes. They have no word, ignorant peasants one and all.

[nearl451]

"America needs Gov. Walker."....like a fish needs a bicycle.

[oinkboinkzoink69]

You know one thing that really makes a Democrat mad? Just run up and kick him in the butt. (P.S. This also works with Republicans.)

[stn_sage]

McDonnell may have worked with the VA Legislature and got their budget under control...I don't know! But, I do know he's dead wrong about governors making great national chief executives! Neither Carter, Reagan, nor Bush were worth a 'tinker's d_a_m_n!'

[010sonny]

Consider his past endeavors, Confederate Week for Virginia. In memory of how the South defended themselves from the IVADING Yankees!! Got that out of his history book. Sad, Sad he is a republican though, has to be expected. This may be what prompted the educational board to research the history books of Virginia. Forget how many totally bogus historical facts there were. One that got a laugh out of me was a section where they describe how the black folks were fighting for the confederates! LOL, LOL, Balanced the budget another LOL. Democratic party turned over a financial system that would produce a positive cash flow. By the way is he in the black now or has he returned back to red. Like what Bush did when Clinton handed over a BooMMing positive cash flow government to him. In less than a month unemployment up and in the red!!! Republicans, what can ya say they try& NAW you can't even give them that..