Republicans swept the statewide races on Tuesday with Bob McDonnell easily defeating Democratic rival Creigh Deeds for governor, Bill Bolling cruising to re-election over Democrat Jody Wagner for lieutenant governor, and Ken Cuccinelli breezed past Democratic challenger Steve Shannon.

The New River Valley contests for the House of Delegates also saw Republicans with a large advantage, as incumbent Jim Shuler from the 12 District was the only Democrat to score a victory as he easily defeated Independent Paul Cornett. Shuler received about 70 percent of the votes cast in that race.

In the 6th District, Democratic challenger Carole Pratt entered the election day with lots of endorsements and more funding than the Republican incumbent Anne B. Crockett-Stark but to no avail. Crockett-Stark took 65 percent of the vote for an easy victory over Pratt.

Republican incumbent Dave Nutter was expected to win in the 7th District and he did not disappoint his supporters. With about 60 percent of the vote, Nutter defeated Democrat Peggy Frank.

And in the 9th District, Republican incumbent Charles Poindexter soundly defeated his challenger, Independent Sherman David Witcher. Poindexter received about 80 percent of the vote in that race.