Gov. Timothy M. Kaine has released the names of some 45 individuals appointed to state boards and commissions ranging from The Advisory Board on Athletic Training to the Small Grains Board. But no word yet on whom he has in mind for the five vacant positions on what is arguably the most important board in the state, the Commonwealth Transportation Board. The CTB exercises real power over road-building policies and priorities.

The CTB website still lists on its website the five members whose terms have expired.

Kaine spokesman Kevin Hall, who normally responds with alacrity to my requests for information, has yet to answer a query as to when the new CTB announcements will be released. Behind the scenes, I suspect, a battle for the soul of Gov. Kaine’s transportation policy is taking place.