RICHMOND - During a night of mixed emotions for Virginia Republicans, Jerry Kilgore provided the high point. In a landslide victory, Kilgore defeated Democrat A. Donald McEachin in the race for Virginia's attorney general.
Kilgore captured 60 percent of the total votes, beating McEachin by a 20 percent margin and receiving more votes than any other candidate in yesterday's election. Kilgore was accompanied by Republican lieutenant governor candidate Jay Katzen, who lost by a narrow margin of 2 percentage points to Democrat Tim Kaine.
Kilgore, who heavily was favored over McEachin, centered his platform on his past experience in office.
"Experience was the message we were giving out since day one," he said.
As a prosecutor at the federal, state and local level, as well as the secretary of public safety under former Republican Gov. George Allen, Kilgore is credited with leading the juvenile justice and parole reforms under the Allen administration.
Kilgore "was an outstanding cabinet member," said Allen, who attributed Kilgore's success to his years of experience and hard work.
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Kilgore, a southwest Virginia native who still resides in the region, ran with strong conservative stances on public safety, ethics, campaign finance reform and zero tolerance toward drugs and illegal guns. He credited Allen for giving him his start eight years ago as a young prosecutor.
"The people said they wanted an attorney general with experience, who will be tough on crime, who will keep drugs and guns out of school," said Kilgore in his acceptance speech last night at Richmond's Omni Hotel in Richmond. "It's an honor to be standing here tonight as Virginia's next attorney general."
While Kilgore assumes his role as attorney general, Katzen is left with a bitter loss. A delegate from Faulkner County, Katzen seriously differed with his opponent, Kaine, on public education. Katzen wanted public money to add to funding of private schools. The two also held dramatically different views on abortion, capital punishment and taxes.
The candidates for lieutenant governor were locked in a tight race since August, and the most recent polls prior to yesterday showed 16 percent of voters remained undecided. Republicans hoped Katzen's background, 23 years in the foreign service and multiple positions in Virginia politics would draw undecided votes.
"Turnout is everything," Katzen campaign manager Robin DeJarnette said.
Despite a close finish, both Katzen and Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Earley fell to Democratic opposition. Richmond voters said school concerns, urban resources and health care issues were driving forces behind their votes. Katzen's opposition also received support because of its local backgrounds.
"I came out to vote for the former mayor of Richmond [Kaine]," Richmond voter Dillard Tuppince said. "He did a good job and good things for the community. I believe he received support here because of his good reputation."
Republicans were excited by Kilgore's victory despite other losses, as well as the increase in Republican members in the House of Delegates. Despite disappointment, the post-election celebration emphasized cooperation with Democrats.
"After Sept. 11, it is more important than ever to have greater partnership between parties to increase public safety," Allen said.
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