WASHINGTON – Sunday brought another indication of just how much of an impact the ethics probe of Virginia’s governor may make.

The Richmond Times Dispatch says Paul Nardo, clerk of the Virginia House of Delegates, has been researching what role the General Assembly would play in the resignation or removal of Virginia’s Republican governor, Bob McDonnell.

The newspaper says Nardo is doing it on his own, and not at the direction of the Republican leadership of the General Assembly. But they call it “an ominous sign.”

No Virginia governor has ever resigned or been removed.

McDonnell has become embroiled in an ethics investigation after reports that he and family members have received large unreported gifts from a political donor for whose company the governor and his wife have helped promote.

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