WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (AP) — Joyful Virginia Republicans finally took a bow, celebrating a turnaround victory that appeared impossible a year ago.
Bob McDonnell, relaxed and seven pounds heavier than he was when he won a blowout election a month ago, crowed "the Republican resurgence has begun in Virginia."
One year ago, Virginia's Republicans had been trounced in a Democratic sweep and were in disarray at their annual Advance.
Since then, the party ousted a controversial chairman, reclaimed strong support among the state's business organizations and swept all three statewide offices and gained six House seats in the Nov. 3 elections.
Across the state in Staunton, Virginia Democratic leaders hunkered down beneath a heavy snowstorm.
