RICHMOND (Legal Newsline) - As expected, Republicans swept three major elections in Virginia Tuesday.

Former state Attorney General Bob McDonnell easily defeated Democratic opponent Creigh Deeds, while state Sen. Ken Cuccinelli topped Del. Steve Shannon in the attorney general race.

Both wins were predicted by multiple polls, as was Bill Boling's re-election as lieutenant governor. The wins come a year after Virginia voted Democrat for the first time in more than 30 years in helping elect President Barack Obama.

The Associated Press reported wins for the three Republicans late Tuesday.

"Eight months ago, I applied for the job of Governor of Virginia," McDonnell said during his victory speech. "Tonight, you have hired me."

McDonnell also thanked Virginians for electing Boling and Cuccinelli, noting that Cuccinelli is something every governor needs -- "a good lawyer."

Cuccinelli, 41, is a partner in Cuccinelli & Day in Fairfax, having received his law degree from George Mason University.

From Legal Newsline: Reach John O'Brien by e-mail at jobrienwv@gmail.com.