Governor Bob McDonnell says Virginia would welcome thousands of defense contractor jobs from Maryland — after a local government there prepared a resolution calling for less spending on wars. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.

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Lockheed-Martin is a major defense contractor, employing five thousand just outside Washington D.C. in Montgomery County Maryland. The county council there recently considered a resolution asking Congress to spend less on wars — which would mean less work for companies like Lockheed-Martin — and use the money instead for social programs.

Virginia state officials took quick notice. Speaking on WTOP Radio in Washington yesterday, Governor McDonnell wouldn’t comment on specific talks with Lockheed-Martin, but he left the door wide open.

The measure had gained majority support in Montgomery County and was scheduled for a vote there, but after word of the resolution got out, it was taken off the agenda.