Republicans handily beat Democrats in all three statewide races Tuesday, sweeping their candidates in races for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general. Yet Democrats in Alexandria retained their dominance in local races, beating back both Republican challengers for two seats in the House of Delegates. Republicans weren’t even able to field candidates in three local races, leaving Democratic incumbents unchallenged in one House race in addition to uncontested races for sheriff and commonwealth’s attorney.

"People in Alexandria as well as other parts of Northern Virginia are much brighter and more intelligent," said Mayor Bill Euille at the Democratic victory party at the Crowne Plaza Tuesday night. "They know the issues, and they know the downside, and they know the risks."

Despite losing five local races, Republicans were enthusiastic about claiming three statewide races. Gathering for a raucous party at the Pitt Street restaurant of Republican stalwart Pat Troy, members of the Grand Old Party cheered wildly when Republican Councilman Frank Fannon announced that the Associated Press had called the gubernatorial race for Bob McDonnell. Yet even with the statewide victories, Fannon acknowledged that Republicans have a demographic disadvantage in the city.

"When you are in an area where the federal government is, a lot of jobs and employment are based on the federal government," said Fannon, who won a seat on the City Council in May. "And people tend to support the Democrats in those areas."

OF THE TWO contested House of Delegates races on the ballot, Del. Charniele Herring (D-46) was the biggest winner claiming 64 percent of the vote. The election represents a change of fortune for the Democratic incumbent, who narrowly squeaked after a recount with a 16-vote margin of victory in a low-turnout January special election. On Tuesday, Herring had a 3,330-vote margin of victory against Republican challenger Sasha Gong, who was only able to claim 36 percent of the vote. The difference between the January special election and the November general election show how turnout for top-of-the-ticket races can influence results down the ballot.

"Last time, it was a two-week race and it was really difficult to get people to the polls two months after one of the most historic presidential races in history," said Jason Bresler, Herring’s campaign manager. "But in November, you can’t turn on your television without seeing 25 commercials."

Republicans were also unable to claim a victory against Del. David Englin (D-45), who won with 61 percent of the vote. Yet supporters of Republican Vicki Vasques said they were encouraged that they were able to increase their numbers this year. Back in 2005, Republican Chris Gregerson received 32 percent of the vote against Englin. Then in 2007, Republican Mark Allen took 36 percent of the vote. This year, Vasques was able to claim 39 percent of the vote. Yet unlike Allen, who won the City Hall precinct, Vasques was unable to achieve a majority of votes in any of precinct in the district.

"This was the worst political environment for Democrats in a decade, and Vasques ran an energetic race, so I personally expected something closer to 55 percent," said Englin in a written statement. "Deeds lost statewide by 18 points and did 10 points worse in the 45th District than Kaine did in 2005, and I still won with more than 61 percent of the vote."

TUESDAY’S ELECTION brought out 35,000 voters in Alexandria for a turnout of 44 percent. That was a slightly better showing than the 41 percent turnout in the 2005 gubernatorial election and significantly higher than the 29 percent turnout in the 2007 General Assembly election. Yet Tuesday’s turnout was about half of the 84 percent turnout in last year’s presidential election, when 70,000 city voters flocked to the polls. Although Democrats hoped to capitalize on thousands of new voters who registered in advance of Barack Obama’s election last year, state Sen. Creigh Deeds (D-25) was unable to attract the kind of turnout Democrats needed to win statewide.

"The top of the ticket failed to connect with voters," said Democratic Councilman Rob Krupicka. "I don’t think this was a referendum on Obama. I don’t think this was a referendum on Governor Kaine. I think this was a referendum on a really bad campaign that didn’t get the voters motivated or inspired or give them a reason to come out and vote."

Republicans said they hoped their statewide victory might create a sense of momentum for their party. Several Republicans were already campaigning for upcoming races Tuesday night at Pat Troy’s restaurant. Although he was unable to win a seat on City Council earlier this year, Phil Cefarati said he was going to try again in the next election cycle. And although U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) had the largest margin of victory of any congressional race in Virginia, Republican Mark Ellmore said he was "99.9 percent sure" he would launch another campaign next year.

"We need to turn around now, especially with what happened tonight," said Troy, who ran an unsuccessful Republican campaign for City Council in 2006. "All of the people who are Republican need to get out and vote in every election. If they do that, we will be able to overturn the Democrats."