’ “I think [the] ???? former governor ought to be the next president of the United states,” said McDonnell ‘
I think this is a misquote or possibly a ‘mis-speak’.
I know he has said: ‘“I think [A] former governor ought to be the next president of the United states,”’
several times.
He shmoozes Perry too:
“...Perry was introduced at the luncheon by Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, who noted that he had not yet endorsed in the presidential race said earlier in the campaign that he preferred the GOP nominate a governor. McDonnell heaped praise on Perry and recalled their good-natured jousting over job creation in their states.”
And Newt:
“Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell spoke before Gingrich. While he praised Gingrich’s “profound understanding of history,” he did not endorse the candidate.
In a separate interview this week, McDonnell said he is “still considering” whether he’ll endorse any of the Republican candidates.
“The best candidate is one who sticks to their conservative principles but shows the best ability to message that conservative message to win the independent voter. That’s the whole battle in this election, is winning the independent voter,” McDonnell said. “
I’d say he likes Romney, Perry ,Newt in that order- but would be comfortable with any.