VIRGINIA BEACH -- Gov. Bob McDonnell is focusing on the state budget and is not talking about the national hubbub over his backpedaling on Confederate history month, according to aides.
His office declined a request by WVEC to interview McDonnell on the issue.
McDonnell apologized Wednesday evening for not including any mention of slavery in a proclamation designating April a time of Confederate remembrance.
The revised proclamation now includes a clause calling slavery "an evil and inhumane practice."
But the fallout could last, especially if McDonnell seeks higher office in the future, said Regent University School of Government professor Charles Dunn.
"There are long term implications," Dunn said. "Whenever something like this happens it tends to mark that person."
Compounding the problem for McDonnell are those who question the sincerity of his apology.
Renowned Virginia Tech professor Nikki Giovanni, a leading black voice in Virginia, is not ready to forgive and forget.
"He intentionally left out slavery," Giovanni said during a stop at Tidewater Community College in Virginia Beach. "Virginia should not be serving the ideological ambitions of the governor and the attorney general. Virginia needs their attention."
