To the members in the majority I say: Don’t be arrogant. Don’t overreach. To the members in the minority: Don’t be angry. Don’t obstruct.

GOP Gov. Bob McDonnell of Virginia, where Republicans seized control of an equally divided Senate on the first day of the legislative session. Republicans now also hold a majority in the House, giving the party sway over the General Assembly and the governor’s mansion for only the second time since the Civil War.