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Bristol, Va.—In November, Virginia voters delivered a landslide defeat to Democrat Creigh Deeds, and sent a Republican to the top spot in the state for the first time in eight years.

Governor-elect Bob McDonnell received nearly 60-percent of the vote statewide, and more than 66-percent in the 9th district.

He stopped by Bristol on Saturday afternoon, to say thanks to the people who put him in power.

“I am anxious to get to work,“ McDonnell told the crowd of roughly 100 supporters. 

In a brief speech, he said his priorities haven’t changed—jobs and economic development still top the list. 

But McDonnell will face a $3.5 billion budget shortfall when he takes office on January 16th, according to current Gov. Tim Kaine (D).

“I think this provides us an opportunity to put our common-sense, Republican, conservative ideas in place,“ McDonnell said.

A central tenet of that conservative approach: no new taxes. 

But it begs the question—can McDonnell prioritize job growth and maintain tax rates while he cuts billions from the state budget? 

“Well, there may be some re-alignments that require some reduction in some state jobs,“ McDonnell said.  “But, I think some of those [re-alignments] will also lead to an expanse through my other programs in private sector employment.“

McDonnell said Kaine cut roughly 1,000 state employees the last budget cycle, and anticipates more layoffs in Kaine’s new budget.

“I really think everybody understands these really are tough times,“ McDonnell said.  “There aren’t any easy ways to cut $3 billion out of the budget, and there’s going to be some things that we’re going to have to do without.“

Saturday, McDonnell offered a different message—I couldn’t have done it without you.

“You did a great job,“ he told gathered supporters.  “Thank you for what you did in the 9th district.“