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Ben Marchi is leaving his post as Virginia state director for the Americans for Prosperity Foundation, effective March 1.

He and his wife, who live in Henrico County, will operate a healthcare-related business.

In his time with AFP, Marchi helped raise its profile as well as its membership—going from 8,000 members in 2007 to more than 78,000, according to AFP figures. Marchi has been a strong conservative, anti-tax voice on matters under discussion in the General Assembly, and has pushed for transparency including asking that subcommittee votes to be recorded in the Virginia House of Delegates.
He launched AFP’s “Hands Off My Healthcare” bus tour in 2009 in opposition of the national health-care overhaul.

Marchi, who previously worked in the research department of the National Republican Congressional Committee, is likely to remain politically involved in different ways. He has done some events with former Gov. George Allen in the past, and could be among his circle of advisers if Allen decides to run again for U.S. Senate. 

“This isn’t just a job I’m leaving; it’s a passion and a way of life.” Marchi said in a statement. “Working with our board members, our national President Tim Phillips, and our wonderful members these last three years has been the most rewarding and memorable experience of my professional life.”

Residents watching Gov. Bob McDonnell deliver his State of the Commonwealth Address tonight can expect to hear him lay out his legislative agenda for his sophomore session and call for cooperation.

From his ceremonial office on the third floor of the State Capitol, McDonnell said his speech set to start at 7 p.m. will focus on government reform—including fixing the state employee retirement system—enhancing job creation resources, increasing access to higher education, and making investments in transportation.

“If I can get those four major items accomplished, I think it will be a good session,” he said.

He’ll also discuss the need for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to work on policy.

“I will make a pitch with a divided General Assembly in an election year, in a redistricting year, to do everything they can to put aside the rhetoric and be statesmen,” McDonnell said. “This is a great group of legislators and I’m certainly confident that they can do it when I lay out the challenges I think I’m going to try to focus them on problem solving. There will be time for campaigning. That’ll be next fall. Right now is the time to fix problems.”

All 140 lawmakers are up for re-election in November.

I’m confused.  I thought rhetoric had no connection to the outside world.

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-7th took to the House floor today to address a resolution honoring the people who lost their lives last Saturday after the shooting in Arizona.

The measure honors “the memory of Christina Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, Judge John Roll, Phyllis Schneck, Dorwan Stoddard, and Gabriel Zimmerman. The slain represent a broad cross-section of the American public: young and old; men, women and child; friends, brothers, sisters and children. They will be missed, but not forgotten.”

The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus has elected Sen. Mamie Locke, D-Hampton, as its new chairwoman.

Locke, the Dean of Hampton University’s School of Liberal Arts, replaces Del. Kenneth C. Alexander, D-Norfolk as caucus leader.

“I am certain that Sen. Locke will serve as Chair of the VLBC with the same distinction, grace, and diligence that she has displayed as a Member of the Virginia State Senate,” Alexander said in a statement. “She has our unequivocal support as we enter the 2011 Session of the General Assembly, and I look forward to another great year for the black caucus.”

Alexander served as caucus chairman for two years.