"So, we are asunder," Republican Rob Bell announced as he took the stage at Rivals. (Or, perhaps, "sunburned." It’s very loud.) "We are tired. Our fingers are all crimped up from stuffing envelopes. But we are victorious! What a difference a year makes." More after the photo.
After calling Democratic challenger Cynthia Neff "gracious," Bell (pictured right) offered thanks to voters in surrounding counties and started on his long list of thanks. He asked volunteers—door knockers, letter writers, precinct workers—to raise their hands, and applause followed.
Televisions remained muted while Bell spoke; on a few screens, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Creigh Deeds could be seen finishing his concession speech. By the end of his speech, Bell began to call members of his campaign team onto the stage with him—many young, including two UVA interns.
Onto thanks for his mother-in-law, and his parents and, lastly, one more. "We have been at this every single week since March…the person who bares the heaviest burden is my wife, Jessica," added Bell.
Earlier in the evening, a man onstage besides Christian Schoenewald began to shout "Sweep! Sweep!" a cry taken up again when Bell and Schoenewald completed their remarks. Now, perhaps it’s time to speculate what a Republican sweep means for locals in the next year or two. Any thoughts? Leave ’em below.
