ALAN SUDERMAN
Associated Press

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe says the tea party has taken control of the General Assembly.

McAuliffe spoke to reporters Friday in Richmond, a day after the GOP-controlled state legislature approved a budget aimed at ensuring McAuliffe cannot expand Medicaid without legislative approval.

The governor said he has not decided whether to sign, veto or try and amend the budget. He’ll have seven days to act once he’s formally presented the budget next week.

McAuliffe had made expanding Medicaid eligibility to low-income residents his top legislative priority. He hasn’t ruled out trying to bypass the legislature to expand Medicaid.

McAuliffe said House Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s surprise loss to a tea party-backed candidate in Tuesday’s GOP primary has emboldened conservative lawmakers.

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