McDonnell becomes 71st Virginia governor

RICHMOND — Republican Bob McDonnell on Saturday began his tenure as Virginia 71st governor, inheriting a dire fiscal mess, a divided legislature and a struggling economy along with the keys to the Executive Mansion.

McDonnell, the first Republican to hold the position in nearly a decade, took the oath of office on the steps of the Capitol against a backdrop of state and national leaders, clergy and his family. In a speech laden with military history, he gave a nod to the stark times ahead and emphasized a small-government message frequently delivered on the campaign trial.