General Assembly convenes 2012 session

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Virginia's General Assembly convenes its 2012 session at noon Wednesday in Richmond with Republicans in control and looking to institute conservative changes they've sought for years.

With Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell and more than two-thirds of the House's seats held by Republicans, the GOP approaches the 2012 session with a deep wish list of deferred goals to tighten limits on abortion and immigrants and loosen restrictions on guns.

There are job-development tax incentives and other enticements for business that are McDonnell's priority. He'll make his pitch to a statewide audience in his 7 p.m. State of the Commonwealth address.

But first, 20 Republican senators -- with a tie-breaking vote from GOP Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling -- plan to claim a ruling majority in a 40-seat Senate over Democrats' fierce objections.