Bob McDonnell elected Virginia’s 71st governor

Republican Bob McDonnell was elected governor tonight over Democrat R. Creigh Deeds, according to unofficial returns. The Associated Press declared his victory at 7:55 tonight.

The win by the former attorney general and state legislator reverses a recent string of losses by Republicans, who were defeated in races for the U.S. Senate in 2006 and 2008 and the presidential election in Virginia in 2008 for the first time in 44 years.

McDonnell’s easy win is a far cry from four years ago, when he defeated Deeds for attorney general by a recounted 360 votes, the closest statewide election in history. 

Pundits said, in capturing Virginia, that McDonnell is creating a model for other Republican candidates.  He emphasized jobs creation and de-emphasized social issues.