Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell is changing the name of “Confederate History Month” to “Civil War in Virginia” month, after his pandering to neo-Confederate extremists was revealed: Va. governor: ‘Confederate’ month no more.

NORFOLK - Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell announced Friday that he will declare next April “Civil War in Virginia” month, rather than “Confederate History Month,” as he once again expressed regret for a proclamation earlier this year that omitted a reference to slavery’s role in the war.

Speaking at a scholarly conference on slavery and race held at Norfolk State University, McDonnell called on Virginians to remember the war with a solemn spirit of racial unity. He called April’s proclamation an “error of haste and not of heart,” a misstep by an administration only a few months in office.

“My major and unacceptable omission of slavery disappointed and hurt a lot of people - myself included,” he said. “And it is an error that will be fixed.”

McDonnell drew national criticism when, shortly after taking office, he issued the proclamation at the request of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.