WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans wrested political control of Virginia from the Democrats on Tuesday as independent voters swung behind the GOP, a troubling sign for President Barack Obama and his party heading into an important midterm election year. Exit polls showed unpopular Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine locked in a close race in New Jersey, where independents were heavily favoring his Republican challenger.

Republican Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell's victory in Virginia over Democrat R. Creigh Deeds was a triumph for a GOP looking to rebuild after being booted from power in national elections in 2006 and 2008. It also was a setback for the White House in a swing state that was a crucial part of Obama's electoral landslide just a year ago. The president had personally campaigned for Deeds.