With Michael Sluss, The Roanoke Times
RICHMOND
Robert F. "Bob" McDonnell steamrolled R. Creigh Deeds in Tuesday's gubernatorial election as part of a dominating night for Republican candidates who prevailed in the other two statewide races and gained seats to increase the party's majority in the House of Delegates.
A crowd of hundreds roared their approval at 7:59 p.m., when Fox News called the race for McDonnell.
McDonnell didn't take the stage to deliver his acceptance speech for another 90 minutes, entering to the thumping bass line of the Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling," which features the lyric "tonight's gonna be a good night."
"Working together as Virginians, we will find those new ways to solve the problems that face us and to create more jobs and new opportunities," McDonnell told euphoric supporters during his victory speech inside a brimming ballroom at a downtown Richmond hotel.
McDonnell, a former attorney general and state delegate from Virginia Beach, thanked those who supported him and offered an olive branch to those who didn't.
"For those of you who did not support me, I say to you, give me a chance to earn your trust and work with you for the betterment of the commonwealth of Virginia," he said.
A staunch conservative on many issues, McDonnell's successful campaign strategy emphasized kitchen table concerns rather than social ideology.
His message of restoring economic prosperity and creating jobs appeared to resonate with voters worried about the recession and national policies coming out of Washington.
While making a case for himself, McDonnell maligned federal proposals to cap greenhouse gas emissions and make it easier for workers to unionize, claiming Deeds supported those "job killing" policies favored by national Democrats.
Conversely, McDonnell rolled out plans to fund transportation, education and other core services without raising taxes, saying he'll trim wasteful spending.
National GOP Chairman Michael Steele said McDonnell's approach translates well with voters.
"He takes those principles, his conservative principles, and applies them in a 21st century way to the problems that people have," Steele told reporters Tuesday night. "He's not sitting in judgment over their lives and their successes and their failures. He's not telling them, 'This is how to live your life' or what to do. He's saying, 'You've got problems and these are some solutions that I think would be helpful to you.' "
Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va. and the No. 2 Republican in the House, told NBC's "Today" show today that independent voters were drawn to McDonnell because the party had a unified message focused on jobs and the economy.
Democratic Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, who was prohibited by the state Constitution from seeking a second term, said on "Today" that Deeds was an underdog from the start and that Virginia has a history of electing governors from the opposing party to the sitting president. Not since 1973 has the party in power in the White House won the governor's race across the Potomac in Virginia.
As chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Kaine had directed more than $6 million from the DNC into his home state elections this year.
Born of rural stock and representing a Bath County district, Deeds is a more conservative Democrat whose leanings perhaps aren't as liberal as those of Kaine or President Barack Obama.
Against McDonnell, it was believed that quality would make Deeds an appealing candidate in regions of the state where Democrats often don't run well.
The best laid plans, however, don't always yield the expected results.
Deeds didn't carry some of the rural areas he was expected to, and he under performed in northern Virginia, where Democrats tend to rack up big margins.
Democrats throughout the campaign accused McDonnell of adopting a moderate image to cloak his true beliefs.
Exhibit A in that argument was the governor-elect's 1989 graduate thesis advocating a conservative social agenda in government.
Polls showed that message gained some traction after the thesis came to light in late August, but the momentum was short-lived.
Although McDonnell's polling leads narrowed at the peak of the post-thesis fervor, Deeds never overtook the Republican, who recovered, then expanded, his edge.
"We have challenges ahead," Deeds told a crowd of roughly 200 disappointed supporters at a Henrico County hotel. "Those challenges aren't disappearing just because we didn't get the result we wanted tonight. We've got some work ahead of us if we want to create opportunity, prosperity and hope in every corner of the commonwealth."
Deeds remains a member of the state Senate and is almost certain to be a vocal opponent of McDonnell's proposals in that chamber.
Kaine acknowledged his party took it on the chin, saying, "We've got to give credit where credit is due. The other ticket ran a good campaign."
McDonnell's victory ends eight years of Democratic control of the governor's mansion and mutes some of the recent electoral gains made by the party in Virginia.
"He has a pliable House of Delegates and that's an assist," University of Virginia political science professor Larry Sabato said. "But his problems are the economy and the state Senate. As long as there's no money in the coffers, he's not going to be able to do very much. And as long as Democrats control the Senate."
The sweep by Republicans, coupled with the GOP defeat of the incumbent Democratic governor in New Jersey, is certain to raise questions about Kaine's stewardship as national party chairman. Virginia's current governor reluctantly accepted Obama's offer to serve as the head of Democratic National Committee early this year.
"Kaine's legacy is a partisan legacy, and he goes out the door as a loser," said Christopher Newport University political science professor Quentin Kidd, who noted the outcome reinforces "the lesson that it's really hard to be governor of Virginia and chairman of a national political party."
McDonnell's convincing win, Kidd added, instantly makes him "a rising national figure in the Republican Party."
Julian Walker, (804) 697-1564, julian.walker@pilotonline.com
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Pilot used a fitting tribute and a posters comment and it fits
scary as it is..... The poster state's kind of like the end of Mel Gibson's film Braveheart. We have Deeds on the chopping block, Kaine doing the cutting, and McDonnell screaming... "FREEDOM!"... Mell Gibson as the new Governor. Fits; my post will be scrutinized so I won't lay out how strange the reference. I will just re-iterate that Mel Gibson’s history is clearly laid out. So yes, polarities will be re-enforced, WHite children will continue to be entitled while most will not. Big Business will have free reign while working men and woman will retain less. All the component to the great slave state in modern times with be guarded and held up by a minority. In VA the sons of the confederacy rise again and Mcdonald, your supporters shout with glee, you are compared to an anti-semite, that is your constituency that elected you.
Election results
WAY TO GO VIRGINIA!!!! I was born and raised in Virginia,but, married a NC man in 1993 and moved across the line, but, I still watch what is happening in my home state. I am proud of those of you who kept it conservative and helped bring new life back into the "right" side of the isle. I hope to help NC do the same thing when our elections come around again. Sorry Mr. O, but you are on the way out! America is begining to wake up and see what you are trying to do and they will have none of it. You might mean well, but, you are barking up the wrong tree when you start putting your hands in our pockets and putting our future generations at financial ruin. Mr. McD please do Va. proud , as they have put their faith and trust in you. Blessings!
Quentin Kidd's Utopia
I congratulate Bob McDonnell on his impressive victory, and I urge my fellow Democrats to respect the office of Governor, if not the short and pedestrian Governor-Elect himself. Thankfully, the Senate will thwart any theocratic moves on Bob's part; irresponsible tax breaks for the rich will also be dead on arrival to the Assembly. Nothing will get done, and McDonnell will do no harm, in spite of himself and his base. And, government accomplishing nothing is just what the Founders wanted. Obama wanted to be Abraham Lincoln, and even he's governing like Blanche Lincoln, the cautious non-entity from Arkansas.
Election
I have been an Independent voter and also have leaned recently to the Republican ticket mainly because about 6 years ago, the Democratic side had become really really unpleasant and insulting. When I would divide my listening time between (now-defunct) liberal "Air America" and can't remember the station but a conservative view......... I would hear MORE mean things said from the Democrats. But I guess the best defense is to come out swinging.... so Glen Beck and Bill O'Reilley get blamed when I am pretty sure that meaner, more inflammatory things were said over many years by the "rude" liberals than have been said by the more polite conservatives. President Bush has been so gracious and polite re: President Obama. I wish it could go both ways and " LIBERAL " point-of-view could really be more LIBERAL and accepting.
Poor Pilot
They must be so upset....all the libs at this cat box liner, your poor, poor candidates!
I had a bad experience on
I had a bad experience on more then one occasion at a privately owned establishment that serves sub-prime coffe at a premium price,who I don't wish to have any further business transactions with.
I just made a comment based on my experience & the recent closing of the same name shop.
But lets read the review comment again "My group was not impressed with the coffee." Ouch! Truth hurts?
I figured we would hear from
I figured we would hear from our distinguished "tax me more" developer by now. I guess Mike Barrett is either in mourning or doing cartwheels on the board walk.
Reading Some of The Comments
Reading some of the comments on this site, one would think they had won the presidential election.But since that is out of reach, I guess they have to wallow in the consolation prize. We can't give you A trophy, but you will receive a certificate. The trophy is in the White House.
Trophy?
Well, he is certainly special.. Hopefully he will only be a 1 hit wonder. I don't know if my bank account can take 8 years of him.
Question for Pilot
Where are the pages prior to the current page?
Where?
Look down and click on the little numbers.
YES WE CAN
Bob McDonnell Will Be President Of These United States. One Day. Mark. My. Words, Virginia!
that's what everyone said
that's what everyone said about Senator Allen too, he was the perfect candidate until macaca and that defeat.
Election Of Bob McDonnell
Well now, we finally got it right this time and sent a message to
Obama,Harry Reid & Nancy Pelosi that Virginia is not in their back pocket.
Deeds and the rest of the Democrats had nothing to offer Virginians.
McDonnell was and is clearly the most qualified of the two men. Hopefully, in 2010, we can kick out of office more of the Socialist Democrats, and install people who will stop this great Country slide into the crater of Communism and Socialism. Finally, they have awakened a sleeping giant, who wants jobs to stay in this Country,and stop China and other countries from buying up America one piece at a time. We need a reasonable healthcare plan for AMERICANS NOT ILLEGALS! They should be rounded up and sent back to their country. They are draining our Social Security System, and Senior American are paying the price, by cutting their benefits. No COLA for this year or next year, but that doesn't stop gas from going up,not counting food, medicines, electric bills. It's bad when you have to choose between keeping warm, and taking your medicine. Two Wars which are costing a fortune,and losing our young men and women. Bring 'em Home Mr. Obama.
I agree with most of what you said...
Whats his name ran a putrid campaign...and more of the same for the Lt Governor and the Attorney general...excuse me but what were you thinking? You think that people care for Bush anymore? No. Even though Obama has not Maned Up for his responsibility of the country's well being the American People have assigned him the responsiility. You, who want to stuff government health care down our throats, who do you think you are? We are the American people and we have the best health care system in the World. People come to us to be cured. Find another life because you are gone from this one. You betrayed us.
Here's hoping McDonnell can get some things done...
Michael Steele said, "He's not sitting in judgment over their lives and their successes and their failures. He's not telling them, 'This is how to live your life' or what to do. He's saying, 'You've got problems and these are some solutions that I think would be helpful to you.' "
If that's how McDonnell plans to approach his governorship, then I wish him well. However, that is not the history of conservative Republicans. I'm just holding my breath for the first "birth control is abortion" bill to come out of this administration.
On the other hand, perhaps a governor with Virginia Beach roots will understand the dire straits our transportation system is in, and he'll go against his party's dogma and find a way to fund some projects. If, however, he employs political slight of hand ala Jim Gilmore and avoids making the hard choices necessary for the state to fund its commitments, he should expect a democratic landslide in four years.
Good luck Governor McDonnell. Please govern as the mainstream centrist that you campaigned as.
McDonnell Va. Beach Roots
may be here but they are planted in Northern Virginia. On reading his written comment and listening to his video, he clearly states his priority would be widening I-66, completing I-495, rail to the airport, HOT lanes, and improving I-81.
Here only upgrading 460, high speed rail and a 3rd crossing. Placing tolls to/from NC will be stopped by the Federal Government. No $500,000,000 that he suggested. His suggestions for tolls here will only be the start of adding more tolls. Elizabeth River (both tunnels), MLK highway, Chesapeake steel bridge. Coleman bridge and Chesapeake Bay Bridge, Toll road to the Outer banks are already tolls. What is next?
Goodbye Tidewater. Hello TOLLwater.
How do we accomplish our objectives?
I want more lanes to cross the water. It cost money. How do I raise the money to pay for it? Get grants from the federal government. Attract new businesses to Virginia because we offer an environment that allows them to make more money. Redistrubate money from other areas that the state is currently funding and of by the way...user fees...and why do we do all that or a combination of all that?
Because we expect a benefit to the state in increased business and increased tax base to fund our economic health but also our social projects.
If we could actually persuade the Federal Government to give us the Fair Tax then trillions of dollars would flood into the USA because it is a good tax haven and money would come into the USA because it is a good tax haven for businesses to grow in. How do we as American citizens accomplish that....we keep demanding it...and thtowing out the people that don't give it to us...until we get what we want.
Like Michelle said...
"People in this state are ready for change and hungry for a different kind of politics and ... for the first time in my adult life I am proud of my state because it feels like hope is finally making a comeback." happy to be red again!
LANDSLIDE!
Governor-elect Bob McDonnell "steamrolled" Creigh Deeds. Come on Virginian Pilot, you can go ahead and say it. This is a LANDSLIDE victory. Democrats are upset and are hurling insults like a bunch of immature sore losers. Your guy lost and lost big. Build a bridge and get over it instead of resorting to ugly name-calling.