Loudoun GOP bounces back with backlash against Washington

The strong Republican showing in Loudoun County on Tuesday felt particularly good for GOP leaders frustrated by years of Democratic gains in the area, but the results suggest that the exurbs will stay up for grabs as both parties vie for support from the growing population.

The dramatic swing from President Obama's victory one year ago with 54 percent of the vote to Gov.-elect Robert F. McDonnell's 61 percent finish showcases the muscle of independents, the strength of Republican turnout efforts and general dissatisfaction among those who voted over national issues.

In winning just under 40,000 votes, McDonnell (R) swept all but four of Loudoun's 71 precincts. R. Creigh Deeds, the Democratic nominee, picked up the Middleburg, Oak Grove, Mirror Ridge and Rolling Ridge precincts. At the East Leesburg polling place, McDonnell edged Deeds by one vote, 400 to 399.

McDonnell voter Trupti Patel, 41, of Ashburn, said she voted for Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) in 2005 and Obama in 2008. She liked what the Republicans had to say about reducing congestion, and Deeds's negative advertising bothered her.

"It's not really the party line," she said. "It's the candidate."

The GOP made gains from the top to the bottom of the ticket. Thomas A. "Tag" Greason, who handily defeated incumbent Democrat David E. Poisson in eastern Loudoun County to win a seat in the House of Delegates, said he couldn't overstate the importance of retail politics in the 32nd District. He said that he knocked on lots of doors and that inaccurate negative attacks on him probably backfired.

"I wish I could definitely say this is a red county and it's always going to be that way," he said. "But the thing I heard at the door [to polling places], probably 60 percent or more, was, 'I vote for the person, not the party.' "

Even though he won by 15 percentage points, Greason said he considers his "a swing district . . . where if people believe in what you're saying and they meet you and they trust you, they will give you a chance."

Glen Caroline, chairman of the Loudoun County Republican Committee, noted that the margins were greater for Republicans in Loudoun than statewide.

"What it means for Loudoun is that we've returned once again to being a Republican red county," he said. "After recent elections, many pundits were writing the obituary of Republicans in Loudoun County. I think the results show that we not only are alive, but we're alive, well and thriving."

Dozens of interviews at the polls suggested that Republican promises to improve roads, prevent tax increases and create jobs resonated with independents.

"Looking at the issues and what Virginia has to work with, I'm reluctantly Republican this year," said McDonnell voter and Leesburg resident Natalie Robertson, 23, who said she grew up as a moderate, the most liberal member of a conservative family. "I do prefer someone who stands up for something than someone who is squishy."

Kaine won Loudoun County with 51.6 percent of the vote in 2005, receiving almost 9,000 fewer votes than McDonnell did this time around.

The chairman of the Loudoun Democrats said the pendulum of control will probably continue to swing back and forth in the years to come, as demographics change and voters grow frustrated with incumbents.

"Personally, I don't see this as a huge change in Loudoun politics," said Democratic Chairman Tim Buchholz. "We had some issues that didn't do well for us at the top of the ticket that kind of brought things down on the delegates in our district. I think we're a third blue, a third independent and a third Republican. And we're going to be constantly flip-flopping back and forth in cycles. We're starting to see some of that going on."

Many who supported Obama last year stayed home. Many at the polls said they had supported Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in the presidential contest, and the Republicans demonstrated that they could drive a large turnout of their base.

Many voters focused heavily on national issues in making their choices. At Sully Elementary School in Sterling, people seemed largely to be voting for or against Obama. Democratic precinct captain Willie West said the precinct has been "a Republican stronghold forever," even though Obama won about 56 percent of the vote there.

A Republican volunteer at the polling place, 81-year-old Doug Schmude, said his frustration with the administration moved him to volunteer.

"We got shortchanged with Obama," he said. Referring to the "czars" appointed by the president in various policy areas, he said, "They're socialists."

Many voters said the mood has changed in this area over the past year in a way that's more pronounced than the national attitude shift.

"A day is a lifetime in politics, and what a difference a year makes," said Purcellville Mayor Robert Lazaro, a McDonnell supporter.

GOP leaders said it's critical for Republicans to reach out to voters -- especially independents -- throughout the county.

"I really don't think it's this huge Republican sweep and that means it will never swing," Greason said. "If the Republicans don't make good on their promises, they'll get voted out. That's key for us to remember."