Richmond va

BOB LEWIS
Associated Press Writer

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Republican Bob McDonnell easily won the governor's race Tuesday, just a year after the state went overwhelmingly for President Barack Obama and the Democrats.

Unofficial results showed McDonnell, a conservative and former state attorney general, defeating Creigh Deeds with more than 60 percent of the vote. He will be the state's first Republican governor in eight years.

GO GO republicans

By LIZ SIDOTI, AP National Political Writer Liz Sidoti, Ap National Political Writer – 6 mins ago
WASHINGTON – Republicans wrested political control of Virginia from the Democrats on Tuesday as independent voters swung behind the GOP, a troubling sign for President Barack Obama and his party heading into an important midterm election year. Exit polls showed unpopular Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine locked in a close race in New Jersey, where independents were heavily favoring his Republican challenger.

Republican Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell's victory in Virginia over Democrat R. Creigh Deeds was a triumph for a GOP looking to rebuild after being booted from power in national elections in 2006 and 2008. It also was a setback for the White House in a swing state that was a crucial part of Obama's electoral landslide just a year ago. The president had personally campaigned for Deeds.

cop killer

$60,000 offered to help catch Seattle cop killer
Police say they have no new information on a suspect or motive in the shooting death of a Seattle police officer as he sat in a parked patrol car on Halloween night. The reward for information to help catch the killer of Officer Timothy Brenton is now up to $60,000.

VOTE

High Traffic anticipated at the Thurston County Courthouse

Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 30, 2009

High Traffic Volume Anticipated at Thurston County Courthouse

OLYMPIA – Thurston County is anticipating heavy traffic volume at the courthouse on Monday, November 2, 2009 and citizens are encouraged to use one of the other 23 ballot drop boxes located throughout the county. “Monday is the day before Election Day and the last day for people to pay their property taxes,” commented Auditor Kim Wyman. “This may cause long lines of cars in the parking lot and frustration for citizens requesting replacement ballots at the courthouse.”

As a result of these two events, parking will be limited. Locations of the ballot drop boxes are listed on the yellow card inserted with ballot materials, in the Local Voters’ Pamphlet, and online at www.ThurstonVotes.org. For further elections information, call (360) 786-5408.