Virginia elects Kaine governor

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RICHMOND -- Democrat Timothy M. Kaine was elected governor of Virginia last night, defeating Republican Jerry W. Kilgore in a bitter and costly battle for the state's top post.

Mr. Kaine captured 1,006,587 votes, or 52 percent, while Mr. Kilgore received 902,264 votes, or 46 percent, with 2,390 of 2,395 precincts reporting.

Mr. Kaine will succeed Gov. Mark Warner, a Democrat who is barred by law from seeking a second consecutive term.

In his victory speech, Mr. Kaine said it has been a long and difficult campaign, but in the end, "we proved that people are more interested in fiscal responsibility than in ideological bickering."

"It's time to build on that progress and together write the next chapter in Virginia history," Mr. Kaine told cheering supporters who gathered at the Richmond Marriott.

In his concession speech, Mr. Kilgore thanked his family, staff and supporters. In a choked voice, Mr. Kilgore said Virginians are "the luckiest people on earth."

"There is no reason tonight to hold your head in defeat," he told his supporters gathered at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, across the street from the Marriott. "There is every reason to look up in pride."

Independent gubernatorial candidate H. Russell Potts Jr. got 43,634 votes, or 2 percent. Mr. Potts, who was in Winchester yesterday, conceded the race early in the evening.

"I stand tall and stand proud," he said. "I entered this race on principle, and I leave it on principle."

Republican William T. Bolling narrowly defeated Democrat Leslie L. Byrne in the race for lieutenant governor.