All politics is local, as Tip O’Neill well knew — and Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell is pushing Virginia businesses keep it local when buying foodstuffs, as well.

“During business events at the Executive Mansion, recruiting activities, and foreign trade missions, I am constantly incorporating Virginia’s best known products, including ham, seafood, peanuts, and wine,” he said. “Locally grown Virginia products taste better, and, just as importantly, they help create good paying jobs for Virginians statewide.”

McDonnell recently sent a letter to Virginia business owners encouraging them to use Virginia food and drink products in their day-to-day operations, noting that the Commonwealth “consistently ranks as a top state for business.”

Interesting wording. One can only wonder if an earlier draft of the letter had Virginia ranked as THE top state; the Commonwealth slipped to No. 2 behind Texas in CNBC’s recently released “top states for business” rankings for 2010.

“I called Governor Perry to congratulate him on being number one, but told him he can’t expect to hold onto that next year – we’re going to be back,” McDonnell said at a July 14 press conference.

Virginia and Texas have traded the top two spots in CNBC’s rankings the past several years. Virginia topped the list in 2007, and was runner-up to the Lone Star state in 2008 before re-taking the crown in 2009.