CongressDaily's Erin McPike reports this afternoon that Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) has been tapped to deliver the GOP response to Pres. Obama's State of the Union address next Wednesday.

In tapping McDonnell, GOPers hope to capitalize on the momentum the party has earned from recent electoral gains. McDonnell has been credited with laying out a blueprint for conservative GOPers to compete even in centrist states, and the party believes he is the best face to put in front of the country's surging populism.

McDonnell certainly had to be on the short list for the party, though Sen.-elect Scott Brown (R) had to be given consideration after his big win. McDonnell is the third Virginian in five years to be tapped for the State of the Union response; former Gov. Tim Kaine (D) gave the address just after his election four years ago, and Sen. Jim Webb (D) followed him after his win.

It's no coincidence that this is also the fourth time in five years a governor has been asked to deliver the response. With all things Washington out of favor, opposition parties are looking beyond the Beltway for the marquee slot.

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