Washington (CNN) -- The prospect of Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell resigning as he copes with a federal investigation into the nearly $150,000 worth of lavish gifts the Republican and his family received from a wealthy executive is unlikely, people close to the governor insist. Yet the topic remains a tantalizing conversation piece around Richmond these days, mainly because it would be an act without modern precedent. While Virginia has had its fair share of tumultuous politics over the years, not since Reconstruction has the commonwealth been forced to grapple with a question of succession. No Virginia governor has resigned, or been impeached, in the last century.
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Lieutenant governor says he has reservations about fellow Republican running for governor
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Bill Bolling feels Ken Cuccinelli jumped line to run for state's top office
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Gov. Bob McDonnell has been embroiled in scandal over gifts to him and his family
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Cuccinelli is backed by the tea party; Bolling had support from establishment
And Bolling has made it abundantly clear he has little tolerance for the Republican running to succeed @placeholder -- Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli.