Many at Deeds party 'not surprised'

Moments after the Associated Press and Washington Post called the race for Republican Robert F. McDonnell, the mood at the Deeds event barely budged.

That's because, several in attendance said, this is the outcome they were expecting, deep down.

"Basically it's almost like the media has prepared us for this the past few days," said Mike Mohler, president of the Virginia Professional Fire Fighters union and a Deeds supporter.

He said he worked a phone bank right up until the polls closed, "in the hopes there might be a surprise."

The ballroom is finally starting to fill up, largely with Deeds campaign staff and volunteers, and word is Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) is somewhere in the building and may speak.

-- Jonathan Mummolo