Creigh Deeds Wins Democratic Nomination

The New York Times headline reflects how outsiders viewed today's Democratic gubernatorial primary in Virginia: "State Senator Beats McAuliffe in Virginia Primary."

For seasoned observers of Virginia politics -- those inside the Commonwealth -- the lopsided victory (nearly 50% of the vote in unofficial returns) of State Senator R. Creigh Deeds (D-25) does not seem quirky. Indeed, in recent days it became expected. The only real surprise was the size of Deeds' margin of victory.

In addition to defeating former Democratic National Committee and FOB Terry McAuliffe, Deeds also roared past former Delegate Brian Moran of Alexandria. McAuliffe and Moran split half the vote while Deeds took the other half, even winning in their own backyard of Northern Virginia.

Deeds and his supporters gathered for a victory party at the Omni Hotel in Charlottesville, where the new nominee was introduced by Congressman Tom Perriello, who was himself elected in an upset last November over longtime incumbent Representative Virgil Goode (R-VA5).

Deeds delivered a short, but enthusiastically received, victory speech before diving into the crowd to shake hands, kiss cheeks, and talk directly to the news media, including Washington Post columnist E. J. Dionne.

Let's go to the video:

For more photos from today's Democratic primary election, look on Facebook. As for me, I have to get some sleep: the election canvass begins early in the morning.

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