Republicans said McDonnell's win over Deeds was due to voter unhappiness with Obama's policies [AFP]

According to media projections, Republican Bob McDonnell has trounced Creigh Deeds in the state of Virginia, while in the traditionally Democratic eastern state of New Jersey, Chris Christie defeated the incumbent, Jon Corzine in a closely fought race.

In New York, Michael Bloomberg, the city's independent mayor, won a third term in office, defeating Bill Thompson, the Democratic city comptroller, local media said.

Bloomberg was ahead 50 to 47 per cent, with 91 per cent of the votes counted.

Described by the Forbes magazine as the richest man in New York, Bloomberg is estimated to have spent almost $90m on his re-election bid, while Thompson spent $7m.

'Blow to president'

The election results could give some clues as to the national mood a year after Obama of the Democratic party was elected president and a year before 2010 congressional elections that will represent the first clear referendum on Obama's time in office.

The Republican party wasted no time in claiming a broader victory for its wins.

"The Republican party's overwhelming victory in Virginia is a blow to President Obama and the Democrat party," Michael Steele, the Republican National Committee chairman, said.

"It sends a clear signal that voters have had enough of the president's liberal agenda."

However, Robert Gibbs, the White House press secretary, dismissed the potential impact of the governors' races on Democrats and the 2010 congressional polls.

"I don't believe that local elections in New Jersey and Virginia portend a lot about legislative success or political success in the future," he said.

While local factors influenced all three races, the persisting weak state of the US economy appeared to be an overarching issue that played a role in each state.

Two appearances on Deeds' behalf by Obama appeared to have little impact in Virginia, as Democrats suffered from a lack of enthusiasm without Obama on the ticket.

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