Bob McDonnell promised to crack down on repeat drug dealers when he ran for governor in 2009.

"McDonnell will propose legislation establishing tough new mandatory minimum sentences for second-time offenders, and increasing mandatory minimum sentences for third time offenders.” the Republican said in his public safety plan. Second-time offenders will face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison. Third-time offenders will face a more significant mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison.”

Del. Robert Bell, R-Albemarle, and Sen. Mark D. Obenshain, R-Harrisonburg, introduced identical bills at the start of this year to fulfill McDonnell's pledge. The minimum sentences would apply to drug traffickers, except in marijuana, who had been convicted of a felony. Before, second-time offenders had no mandatory minimum penalty, while third-time offenders faced a minimum of five years in prison.

The Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission estimated the annual cost of the legislation at $11.7 million. The General Assembly cut the cost to $5.5 million by reducing the minimum sentence for second-time offenders from five years to three. The minimum sentence for third-time dealers remained at 10 years  -- the level the governor sought.

McDonnell signed the amended bill. The law, which became effective on July 1, wasn't quite as strong as the governor wanted. But the original bill met McDonnell's pledge to propose legislation requiring mandatory sentences of five years for second-time offenders and 10 years for third-time drug dealers.

So we rate this a Promise Kept.