Republican wins Virginia in test of Obama's clout

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, Reuters reported.

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.

It appeared that Democrats were unable to muster a large turnout the way they did a year ago when Obama won the state.

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.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs dismissed the potential impact of the governors' races on Democrats and the 2010 elections.

"I don't believe that local elections in New Jersey and Virginia portend a lot about legislative success or political success in the future," he said.

But the Republican Party was eager to blame the policies of Obama and the Democrats.

"The Republican Party's overwhelming victory in Virginia is a blow to President Obama and the Democrat Party. It sends a clear signal that voters have had enough of the president's liberal agenda," said Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele.

While local factors influenced all three races, the weak state of the U.S. economy was an overarching issue that played a role in each state.

Two appearances on Deeds' behalf by Obama appeared to have little impact in Virginia, as Democrats suffered from a lack of enthusiasm without Obama on the ticket. Republicans were energized by the chance to take back the governor's seat, held by Democrats the past eight years.

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In New Jersey, Republican Chris Christie has been running neck and neck with Democratic Governor Jon Corzine, the former Wall Street executive who has pumped $23 million of his own money into his campaign. A poll released on Monday gave the Republican a slight lead.

Obama campaigned in New Jersey three times for Corzine. His last appearance was on Sunday.

New Jersey polls closed at 8 p.m. EST (0100 GMT Wednesday) but it could be some hours before the outcome is clear.

Independent candidate Chris Daggett trailed, and a key question concerned how many of Daggett's supporters would abandon him for Christie or Corzine and sway the race.