November 3, 2009

The most hotly contested House of Delegates Race in our region was between incumbent Republican Rob Bell and his challenger Democrat Cynthia Neff. The incumbent Bell easily defeated the Democrat Neff 67% to 33%.

Bell is celebrating with his fellow Republicans at the Rivals Sports Bar and Grill in Albemarle County after a victory over the challenger.

Delegate Rob Bell has sat in the Thomas Jefferson seat in the House of Delegates since 2002. Bell is thrilled about his victory.

"It's very edifying. This was a very hard race, and to be returned by the voters of the district with an even bigger margin than I've ever won before is an endorsement of the work I've been doing. It's satisfying to be rehired by the voters," says Del. Rob Bell (R), 58th District.

Bell's victory means the rural 58th District, which includes most of Albemarle and parts of Fluvanna, Greene, and Orange, still swings Republican.

Bell ran on a small business platform. His TV ads emphasized his support of small businesses, and his high profile in the local community.

A supportive crowd at the Sips wine bar in downtown Charlottesville greeted Democrat challenger Cynthia Neff Election night. Democrat supporters applauded her efforts. Neff says her best days are ahead.

"We ran a great campaign, and we have so many fabulous people that said we talked about issues that were really important, and I'm really proud of that. I'm not done," says Neff.

In office, Bell says he'll focus on the economy.

"That's going to be the mission. How do we bring jobs to our community in order to make sure the people who don't have jobs can find them," says Bell.

An exciting night for Republicans, and Rob Bell is leading the pack.