Republicans triumph at state level

While there were some surprises this election, the incumbents were able to defeat their challengers at the state level.

Richard P. “Dickie” Bell, who has served in the 20th House District since 2001, won Tuesday’s election against Libertarian William M. Hammer. According to the Virginia Department of Elections Bell beat Hammer 10,821 to 3,446 votes.

Bell said this election was no different for him than his previous three campaigns for office.

"We do what we do and we run a positive campaign," he said Tuesday night. "We work hard and we get tired, but I don't let it stress me out."

When contacted prior to election results, Hammer said his strategy against Bell was to be as visible and active as possible.

“It was a lot of effort and long hours,” he said prior to election results on Tuesday. “I’m tired, but optimistic.”

Hammer said his stance against a proposed pipeline was well received at polls in “especially in Nelson County.”

Incumbent R. Steven “Steve” Landes retained his seat in the 25th District over Angela M. Lynn 12,093 to 6,156 votes.

Landes said this term he plans to focus on the economy, jobs and education.

"The people I talked to while campaigning door-to-door are still worried about the economy and jobs," Landes said.

He said employers have also stressed the need for high school students to graduate with more technical skills so they are better prepared to enter the workforce.

Ben Cline, who defeated his opponent, Ellen Arthur 13,474 to 5,507 votes in the 24th District, is serving his sixth term in the Virginia House of Delegates. Attempts to contact Cline and Arthur were unsuccessful.

Republican incumbent Emmett W. Hanger, Jr. ran unopposed as senator in Virginia’s 24th District receiving 35,064 of the votes counted in his district. Hanger, who attended Fort Defiance High School and lives in Mount Solon, was first elected to the 24th District in 1996.