WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican Bob McDonnell rolled to victory over a Democrat in the governor's race in Virginia on Tuesday in the first of three key votes that provided an early test of U.S. President Barack Obama's clout.
From: www.reuters.com
By Steve Holland
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican Bob McDonnell rolled to victory over a Democrat in the governor's race in Virginia on Tuesday in the first of three key votes that provided an early test of U.S. President Barack Obama's clout.
Democrats were bracing for the unhappy possibility of defeat not just in Virginia but also in the governor's race in New Jersey and in a congressional district in upstate New York where a conservative candidate led in opinion polls.
U.S. television networks projected McDonnell had defeated Democrat Creigh Deeds in Virginia, a year after the state went for a Democratic presidential candidate for the first time since 1964.
The election outcome could give some clues as to the national mood a year after Obama was elected president and a year before 2010 congressional elections that will represent the first clear referendum on Obama's time in office.