Creigh Deeds Defends Campaign And Pushes For Votes

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WUSA) -- The Hermitage precinct just outside Richmond voted for Obama last year, helping Virginia elect the first democrat for president in 44 years. On this election day, some democrats here seem disenchanted with the democratic candidate for governor, Creigh Deeds, saying he ran a poor campaign.

Ron Anderson said, "I think he depended too much on other people like Obama and the mayor backing him. I think he could've run a much stronger campaign, but I still voted for him."

VCU student and democrat Justin Lowenhagen said, "Mcdonnell was going out and campaigning and Deeds was taking the day off. I don't think deeds has the drive to be Governor. I think that's why he's not doing as well."

Creigh Deeds responded to that criticism tonight saying, "We ran the strongest campaign we could. We did the best we could. Obama spent $70 million in Virginia last year. We couldn't do that, that's the gold standard."

Deeds admitted to making some mistakes in the campaign, but said he was hopeful he'd pull out a win despite poll numbers showing him behind by double digits.

At a strong republican precinct in Henrico County, where Deed's opponent Bob McDonnell lives, republican voters seemed optimistic and hungry for a sweep after last years losses.

"I think Virginians have realized they made a mistake voting for Obama and now have the opportunity to change their votes," said Deborah Gary.

Deeds said he is focused on the only poll that matters, election day.