By Peter J. Smith
RICHMOND, Virginia, November 3, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Virginia's state elections saw a sweep for pro-life candidates into the state's highest offices. Pro-life Republicans captured the offices of governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general by wide margins.
"Eight months ago I applied for the job of governor of Virginia, tonight you have hired me," said Governor-elect McDonnell to cheering supporters.
McDonnell took the podium addressing the people of Virginia for his victory, saying he was both "humbled" and "honored" with their decision to send him to the governor's office. But McDonnell also mentioned his special gratitude to God.
"I thank God for his grace goodness and divine providence in my life," continued McDonnell, before pledging to go to work for Virginia.
McDonnell's victory marks the first time since 1997 that a Republican has won the Virginia governorship. McDonnell replaces out-going Democratic governor Tim Kaine, who was prevented from seeking re-election by Virginia's term-limits.
Pro-life Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, a Republican, also handily won re-election with 57 percent of the vote, to 43 percent for his pro-abortion Democratic challenger Jody Wagner, with 99 percent of precincts reporting.
Pro-life Republican Ken Cuccinelli also beat out his Democratic and pro-abortion challenger Steve Shannon for the office of attorney general, 58 percent to 42 percent with 99 percent of precincts reporting.
All three candidates had been strongly endorsed and supported by the Virginia Society for Human Life for their legislative efforts in Richmond defending the rights of the unborn.
"Today is a great day for unborn children and their mothers, as well as the vulnerable of all ages throughout the Commonwealth. We congratulate Bob McDonnell, Bill Bolling and Ken Cuccinelli for their spectacular victories in today's election," VSHL President Olivia Gans said in a statement.
"The Virginia Society for Human Life looks forward to working with all three of these stalwart pro-life leaders, as well as pro-life members of the State Senate and House of Delegates, to enact laws that will safeguard the right to life of unborn children and support their mothers, and protect older people and those with disabilities from denial of lifesaving medical treatment, food and water."
Gans told LifeSiteNews.com days before the election that the election would also be a referendum on whether Virginia would remain true to "traditional family values."
Gans explained that a pro-life victory would send the message that "we are not a pro-abortion country, we are in fact a pro-life state and a pro-life America."
The Virginia election and McDonnell's massive margin of victory also has broader implications for President Barack Obama and his policies. Exactly one year ago, Virginia had voted to send Obama to the presidency, and although the President's personal appeal remains high, his efforts to convince Virginia voters to elect Deeds proved futile.
Voters' highest concerns were the economy, jobs, and fiscal responsibility, lending credence to the view that the election may also prove to be part of a larger referendum on the policies of Obama and his Democratic-controlled Congress.
See related coverage by LifeSiteNews.com:
Interview: President of Oldest US Pro-Life Group on 2009 Virginia Election
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/oct/09102709.html
URL: http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/nov/09110401.html
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