RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - For more than thirty years, Del. Terry Kilgore, R-Scott, has navigated Virginia politics with a simple motto: “Be nice.” The Republican, who was elected minority leader by his caucus in May, keeps a copy of the credo on his desk on the House floor and embodies it as he roams the halls of the Capitol, dishing out grins in the depths of February budget battles, according to Virginia Mercury.

Politically, Kilgore’s amiability translates into a willingness to cut deals.

To help Southwest Virginia’s economy, he has embraced projects that are controversial within his own party and constituents, including Medicaid expansion, the legalization of casino gambling and a regional hospital monopoly.

Kilgore declined an interview for this story. But in two interviews last year,

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