Vinton casts ballots for incumbents
On a day when polling places were busier than expected, Republican candidates won almost all of the elections on state and local levels.
Locally, Republicans did not sweep the board quite as comprehensively, but still made a good showing.
As of Wednesday, Republican and incumbent Vinton Supervisor Mike Altizer held a 16-vote lead over Democrat Patrick Patterson.
Before the absentee ballots were counted, Patterson was winning. After they were counted, however, Patterson was behind by only 16 votes. Patterson will be requesting a recount, which is his legal right, and he particularly wants to look at the absentee ballots.
“It was a great experience,” Patterson said about the election. “[I think this shows that] the Vinton folks in particular want better representation.”
Altizer could not be reached for comment.
Democrat Onzlee Ware was re-elected to his seat as the 11th District delegate in the House. Ware, a lawyer, was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2003. The 11th district covers parts of Roanoke City, Roanoke County, and Vinton. Troy Bird, a graphic artist who ran a campaign focused on school choice and opposition to taxes, won in the County districts; Ware won in the city by over 2500 votes.
The School Board race was not run based on party, but incumbent Mike Stovall was re-elected to the Vinton District seat. This will be his fifth consecutive term on the Board.
“I am thankful first off to my family and to the citizens of the Vinton magisterial district for their support to me,” Stovall said. “I’m proud to have the opportunity to serve them for another four years. It makes me a better person.”
Statewide, the governor, lieutenant governor, and attorney general positions all went to Republicans. Bob McDonnell won the governorship in a landslide.
“Eight months ago I applied for the job of governor of Virginia,” McDonnell said Tuesday night. “Tonight you have hired me. Thank you.”
Bill Bolling won the race for lieutenant governor, which will be his second term in office, and Ken Cuccinelli won a first term as attorney general on Tuesday.
