Gov-elect McDonnell discusses victory

RICHMOND, Va. - Reporters greeted Governor-Elect Bob McDonnell with applause after a long, grueling campaign. At his first news conference as Governor-elect, McDonnell promised to govern the same way he campaigned, fighting for jobs and building coalitions. "Nothing is more important than job creation and creating opportunities and nothing is more important in that endeavor," McDonnell said.

McDonnell tapped his Campaign Manager Phil Cox to head the transition team that could include democrats in his cabinet, but made no promises, "I want people I can trust. People who care about Virginia on my cabinet," said McDonnell.

McDonnell also announced current Lt. Gov Bill Bolling, who also won, will be playing a larger role now that a Republican will be Governor. "We are going to get the Lt. Governor on the road looking for corporate heads to meet them eye to eye to get them to come to Virginia and to let them know we are open for business. We also want to open trade offices around the country and world including Asia," McDonnell said.

State Attorney General-elect Ken Cuccinelli was noticeably missing from the news conference. Cuccinelli made controversial comments last week about whether he would fight for rights of those who are known homosexuals. Cuccinelli was also left out of many speeches at last night's victory party.

WAVY.com crunched election returns and noted McDonnell lost the City of Franklin to Democrat Creigh Deeds. International Paper recently announced it was closing the Paper Mill and laying off 1100 people. A source confirms McDonnell is well aware he lost there and plans a visit in the near future, "We are going to follow through with many ideas to bring new jobs through tax incentives and policies that will grow businesses," McDonnell said.

McDonnell again reiterated taxes will not be raised for new roads. Critics are skeptical on how he will raise $1.5 billion a year for roads without new taxes. The Governor-Elect also discussed his top road priority in Hampton Roads. "My top priority is expanding Route 460. We need another way out in a hurricane. It is a potential disaster for Southside Hampton Roads," McDonnell said.

McDonnell reflected on why he won. "What Virginia really cares about are jobs. They care about the economy, kitchen table issues, bread and butter issues. They are most interested in results and solutions. We will be keeping our own scorecard to deliver on campaign promises."

McDonnell was saddened his parents were not with him on stage to celebrate his crowning political achievement. His mother died a few years ago and his father is in a nursing home unable to travel. With a slight tear in his eye he said, "We missed both of my parents last night. They reminded me often that big dreams can turn into anything you want to be in America and you can still believe that is still true today."

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ANDY FOX'S BLOG FROM MCDONNELL VICTORY PARTY