Republicans last night were well on their way to increasing their control of the Virginia House of Delegates.
Heading into the election yesterday, Republicans held 53 seats and Democrats held 45. Two independents generally vote with the Republicans.
Last night, it appeared that Republicans had a net gain of at least three seats and that three other races involving Democratic incumbents were too close to call.
"Today, Virginians affirmed their support for and trust in honest, principled leadership in state government and the promise of Republicans to provide real and practical solutions to the everyday challenges they are facing," said House Speaker William J. Howell, R-Stafford.
In a notable gain for the Democrats, challenger Robin Abbott, a lawyer, defeated Del. Philip A. Hamilton, R-Newport News, a 21-year veteran who is vice chairman of the budget-writing House Appropriations Committee.
Hamilton is the subject of a legislative probe and a grand-jury investigation. At issue is his role in seeking a job at a teaching center at Old Dominion University before he put in a budget amendment seeking the center's creation.
But overall, the night belonged to the Republicans.
In a hotly contested local race, Del. John M. O'Bannon III, R-Henrico, defeated Democrat Tom Shields to win a sixth term.
The partisan equation did not change locally, as the incumbent parties held two open seats and six other incumbents won re-election.
In a contest for one open seat, Democrat Betsy Carr, who serves on the Richmond School Board, defeated Republican Ernesto V. Sampson Jr. and independent L. Shirley Harvey.
Carr will take over the seat vacated by Del. Franklin P. Hall, the veteran Democrat who resigned and accepted a position on the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.
In the contest for the other local open seat, Republican John Cox defeated Democrat Robert Barnette to win the seat of Del. Frank D. Hargrove Sr., R-Hanover, who is retiring after 27 years in the House.
In 2007, incumbents held 90 of 92 House seats, according to the Virginia Public Access Project, an online watchdog of money in state politics.
But a few changed hands last night:
- Republican Chris P. Stolle, a physician, knocked off Del. Joseph F. Bouchard, D-Virginia Beach.
- In Southwest Virginia, Republican challenger James Morefield defeated Del. Dan C. Bowling, D-Tazewell.
- In Loudoun County, Republican Thomas Greason easily defeated Democratic incumbent David E. Poisson.
In another notable contest, Democrats picked up the Prince William County seat vacated by Del. Jeffrey M. Frederick, who was ousted in April as chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia. Democrat Luke Torian, beat Republican Rafael Lopez.
All 100 House seats were up for election yesterday, but only 69 were contested.
Contact Andrew Cain at (804) 649-6645 or acain@timesdispatch.com.
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