Markus Schmidt

The governor also vetoed bills that would have created a Prescription Drug Affordability Board and allowed localities to raise sales taxes for schools.

He had toyed with an unprecedented veto of the entire budget. Senate Democrats remain skeptical of the governor’s conciliatory tone.

The 5th District Republican primary will be one of the most contested in the nation. Five Republicans filed for the right to challenge Democrat Tim Kaine in the Senate race.

The governor rejected legislation that would have created a legal, adult-use retail marijuana market by 2025.

The governor’s veto count now totals 121 — the same number that Democrat Terry McAuliffe signed during his entire four-year term.

The former Republican lawmaker has remained behind bars in Amherst County, but he is due to appear in court for a bond hearing Tuesday.

The ex-lawmaker is also accused of violating a protective order. He is being held at the Blue Ridge Regional Jail.

Sen. Louise Lucas and Del. Luke Torian tell the governor that his interest in negotiating the budget is “unprecedented.” Governor’s spokesman says Democrats wanted tax increases kept secret.

The latest round of vetoes bring the governor’s total veto count this year to 50. The governor said the bills undermine public safety; criminal justice advocacy groups say he is playing “politics of fear.”