The Rotunda

Issue date: 11/4/09 Section: News

Media Credit: news.yahoo.com

For the first time in eight years, the Commonwealth of Virginia has elected a Republican as governor. Robert F. "Bob" McDonnell was voted in as Virginia's 71st Governor-elect. McDonnell earned approximately 59 percent of the vote, with 1.15 million Virginians favoring the Republican. His opponent, Robert Creigh Deeds, received the remaining 41 percent. The Virginia political map was painted red, with the exception of the Tidewater region and Bath and Alleghany counties, which is Deeds country.

The state that overwhelmingly supported Barack Obama in the presidential race only months ago, gave their support to the opposite party during this Va. governor's race. The Associated Press (AP) declared McDonnell the winner of the governor's race just before 8 p.m. McDonnell was projected to win by up to 15 points in some early polls.

At the McDonnell camp, the victory bells rang loud and clear. McDonnell began his victory speech remarking, "Eight months ago I applied for the job as Governor of Virginia. Tonight you have hired me." He offered bipartisan politics to the Commonwealth and to his opposition in saying, "To those of you that did not support me, I say to you, give me a chance." After being declared the winner, McDonnell called opponent Deeds. "We both agree that this is a great and wonderful state in which we live. Deeds is a good public servant and I look forward to working with him as he continues to serve in the Virginia Senate," said McDonnell.

The Republicans did not end their victory with the governor's race. In fact, the other GOP candidates swept the ballot, winning all three major seats contested in the Commonwealth. William "Bill" Bolling was reelected as Lieutenant Governor for a second term with 56 percent of the vote, defeating former State Finance Secretary Democrat Jody Wagner. For the Delegate from Fairfax for the Attorney General seat, left vacant by McDonnell's gubernatorial election, Republican Ken Cuccinelli defeated Democratic challenger Stephen Shannon, earning 58 percent of the vote.

Lt. Gov. Bolling promised a ticket of unity when he ran for reelection. He said during his victory speech he would continue that sentiment during his second term at The Capitol in Richmond. Mimicking Obama during his victory speech, Bolling said, "If I can borrow a quote, this is change you can really believe in." Bolling called for Republicans to band together and unite in the Commonwealth. Just before Black Eyed Peas' song "I Got A Feeling" played at Bolling's victory camp, he left his audience by saying, "The best is yet to come."

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