Mitt Romney stumps for McDonnell in VB

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - With just six days left until Election Day, it's down to the wire for Virginia gubernatorial candidates.

On Tuesday, President Obama was in Norfolk stumping for Democratic candidate Creigh Deeds. Wednesday, former presidential nominee Mitt Romney stumped for Republican candidate Bob McDonnell in Virginia Beach.

Lt. Governor Bill Bolling announced at the news conference in Virginia Beach, "Starting tomorrow we'll be making 24 stops all across Virginia on our Road to Victory Tour."

Bolling is seeking re-election. He's joining Attorney General Candidate Ken Cuccinelli and Gubernatorial Candidate Bob McDonnell on the road. The GOP ticket brought former Massachusetts Governor and Presidential candidate Mitt Romney along for the ride to the Westin.

Romney told WAVY.com, "Virginia matters to the entire country, because Virginia is a center for education, technology, innovation. We want to see jobs growing in Virginia."

His presence is "to encourage my friends in Virginia to get out and vote for the Governor, Lt. Governor, and Attorney General, that will get Virginia on such a track that the whole country can benefit from its success and growth."

Each member of the team explained they want to take Virginians toward growth. McDonnell explained, people "want to see us do something about a $6 billion budget deficit and 6.7 percent unemployment rate. So, the heart and sole of our campaign has been looking for ways to create jobs and opportunity, promote small business and entrepreneurship."

State Senator Cuccinelli added, "We are closing in here, bringing the same message we've been sharing, creating opportunity in government so the private sector can create jobs."

The small news conference could not deliver the fervor of a Presidential visit. However. McDonnell is confident his candidacy stirs the masses. When asked to respond to Mr. Obama's appearance for Democratic candidate State Senator Creigh Deeds, McDonnell said, "We're always honored to have the President of the United States here in Virginia and we welcome him. I think Governors understand a lot more about running states... We've had Lou Holtz and Bruce Smith, so they know how to fire up a crowd. I'm glad to have the crowd that I've got standing behind me."

In a fundraiser that raised about $150,000, a couple of hundred people made it clear they are excited about the ride to election day with McDonnell leading the state-wide ticket. As he took the stage, supporters applauded and cheered.

McDonnell has been criss-crossing the commonwealth working to secure enough votes to become Virginia's next leader. The message he and Romney are expected to give is one that McDonnell has tried to deliver to voters throughout his campaign - 'through business incentives, he'll be a jobs governor.'

McDonnell has said that he, "...wants to do some of the things that will promote the business climate in general." For example, tax credits for film and tourism. He also said he's "finding new ways to bring the next Hilton to Virginia so that big businesses can grow and create new jobs."

McDonnell, Cuccinelli and  Bolling headed to Roanoke, Virginia after the Virginia Beach stop. Rudy Guiliani stumped for McDonnell in Northern Virginia.

Republicans are looking to win the race. Republicans have not won the last two governor races in Virginia and for the first time in 40 years, Virginia voted for a Democratic president.