Republicans stand for less government? What a load of hogwash. Bob Marshall has filed 53 bills as of this writing. Dick Black has filed 18. Lingamfelter, 34. Cole 19. Among them, 124 bills. Cuccinelli's data is not posted as of this writing. No surprise there. The House staff was always more efficient than those in the Senate. Seems that way anyhow.

Make no mistake. This is the new face of Republicanism in Virginia. And it is veering hard to the right. These are formidable fellows. Love them or hate them, Black and Marshall are fearless, unflinching men of principle. I don't know the others personally, but my guess is that they all are. Here's the thing: agree or disagree with them (and lots do disagree), these legislators will do more to shape the debate, to set the agenda, to map the future legislative landscape of Virginia than perhaps any others now in Richmond.

And what is that agenda? What does that landscape look like? Take a look at the bills they've filed. Of the 124 between them, not counting Cuccinelli, 53 address only four areas: taxes, abortion, guns and voter access. The budget is going to dominate this session? Maybe. But they've got a few other things they're going to talk about, too.

The new speaker

Howell was -- well -- smooooooooth. Seemed to me that he hit the right notes on opening day.

The state of the commonwealth speech

Well, I suppose it depends greatly on perspective. Reviews seemed to range from boffo to about half lame. On a 1-10, about a 6. Tops. Drawing the line on education? Bravo. Lay out a vision of where we want to go, where we ought to go, begin that conversation with Virninia? Forget about it. The huff and puff about raiding VRS? Huff and puff. The DMV reversal? Bad advice from somewhere. Probably the Democratic Caucus pounding on him. The Republicans going to put it back? So what? It looks … well … If six mil will fix it, it ain't broke. So what's that leave? Bad advice.

One of the write-ups noted that the governor was interrupted 50-some times by applause. Folks used to cheer and whoop it up at hangings.

Being applauded that much by my political enemies would give me the willies. I would think, 'Rut Row.'

Warner is in an impossible spot, to be sure. He's got to have Republican blessings in the House and Senate to do anything, but here's the thing: he's not going to get it. He's not going to get one iota of anything the Republicans don't want. Zip. Nada. Not in any appreciable way. Looking them in the eye is fine. But know, please, that they're going to poke you in yours the first chance they get. And nothing personal. That's just the way it is in this one.

Better late than never

This just in Remember the Taxol suit and how Kilgore and company took a walk when most states were suing? Well, he's made amends. And give him credit for that. Virginia, and several other states signed on late, but will nevertheless share in a $55 million settlement announced last week with Bristol Meyers, makers of the best selling cancer drug on Earth.

Memo to Frank Hall and the Democratic Caucus

Don't forget the morning hour. In forty days you're going to be back in Siberia.

Memo to the Black Caucus

Don't be mean. Let Winsome in.

Memo to Tim Kaine

Change barbers.