Governor of Virginia

The Governor of Virginia serves as the chief executive of the Commonwealth of Virginia for a four-year term. The position is currently held by Democrat Mark Warner whose term expires in January, 2006. The current Lieutenant Governor, Democrat Tim Kaine, Attorney General, Republican Jerry Kilgore, and independent Russ Potts are running to fill the position.

Powers

• The Governor has the legislative power to submit recommendations and to call special sessions when he finds them necessary.
• The Governor has veto powers. All bills must be sent to the Governor before becoming law. The Governor may sign the bill, let it sit unsigned for seven days after which it becomes law, or veto the legislation. After a veto, the bill returns to its house of origin and must be overridden by two-thirds of the vote in each house.
• The Governor also has the power to use a line-item veto. He may send legislation back to the legislature with recommendations and amendments. The legislature must either approve the changes by a majority in each house, or override the veto with a two-thirds majority in each house.
• The Governor is commander-in-chief of Virginia's armed forces.
• The Governor may also communicate with other States and foreign powers.
• The Governor has the power to fill vacancies in positions unless the position is appointed by the legislature.
• The Governor may commute fines or sentences and issue pardons. The Governor may also restore voting rights and overturn other political penalties on individuals.