Capturing 14 of 16 precincts, Clifton’s Tim Hugo (R-40) was easily re-elected Tuesday to his fifth term in Virginia’s House of Delegates. He beat Democratic challenger Susan Conrad handily, by 12,049 votes to 7,034, garnering 63.06 percent of the votes to her 36.8 percent.

Speaking by phone Tuesday night from the Republican Party celebration at the Fairview Park Marriott, Hugo said he hoped his victory was because people thought he’s done a good job representing them. “I work on pragmatic things important to people’s neighborhoods,” he said.

Regarding the decisive, Republican sweep to victory in Virginia — in the governor’s, lieutenant governor’s and attorney general’s races, as well as in several key delegates’ contests — Hugo said, “I think Bob McDonnell ran a disciplined campaign. And part of this is a reaction to the overreach that’s come out of Washington. It’s a big backlash against too much government, too much regulation and too much taxation.”

At the Marriott, he helped announce the Republican candidates’ wins and was pleased to do so. As for his own victory, Hugo said he took nothing for granted. “We were hopeful things were going to turn out well, and I’m glad they did,” he said. “Mrs. Conrad is a nice person and a very good citizen and I appreciate her running.”

Now that he’s headed back to Richmond, Hugo said his first order of business will be to try to secure extra spaces for Virginia students at their own colleges and universities. “I want at least 75 percent of the slots reserved for them,” he said.

Happy about his successful re-election campaign, Hugo said, “I want to thank my wife, my campaign manager George Faatz, the volunteers and all the people who voted for me. I even thank those who didn’t. I just think it’s important that people came out to vote today.”