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ShareWASHINGTON: Opposition Republicans trounced Democrats in gubernatorial races in the US states of Virginia and New Jersey today, dealing a blow to president Barack Obama just a year after his ascendancy to the White House.
In the crucial swing state of Virginia, Republican Robert McDonnell was elected the 71st governor, the elections for which were held yesterday.
In New Jersey, known as a Democrat bastion, Christopher J Christe of the Republican Party defeated incumbent Jon S Corzine. Obama had vigorously campaigned for Democratic party candidates in both states.
The only solace for the Democratic Party was the Congressional seat it won in upstate New York.
New York mayor Michael R Bloomberg pulled out a narrow re-election victory over his main challenger William C Thompson.
The US media said the defeat of Democratic candidates in New Jersey and Virginia dealt a setback to Obama and built momentum for a Republican comeback attempt in 2010 midterm Congressional elections.
The Washington Post in a news analysis said the Republican victories in both Virginia and New Jersey delivered clear warnings for the Democrats.
