Pundits always use sports analogies for politics, we’re thinking of trying something different — a hair color analogy.

Virginia returned to its red roots tonight after an impetuous experiment last year with blue, the state’s political color of a generation ago.

OK maybe it doesn’t work as well. To put it more simply, the Republicans won the governor’s race in Virginia. That was in contrast to last year when Barack Obama captured the state which voted Democrat in a presidential election for the first time since 1964.

After Virginia was called, Republicans could not hide their glee, joy, smiley faces. And they were quick with reactions to Republican Bob McDonnell’s victory over Democrat Creigh Deeds.

Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele issued a statement and repeatedly went on CNN including on the “Larry King Live” show. “It sends a clear signal that voters have had enough of the president’s liberal agenda,” he said.

Then he boarded a plane for New Jersey. Hmmm is that a sign?

Democrats smiled and acted as if it were no big deal. Really. UNDERSTATED SHRUG. After all, they said, it’s the New Jersey governor’s race that means more because it’s a traditionally Democratic state.  And that race hasn’t been called yet.

Outgoing Virginia Governor Tim Kaine who is Democratic Party chairman also appeared on CNN and had this to say about the race to fill his old job.

“Creigh was the underdog candidate,” Kaine said. “But not every underdog wins.”

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Photo credit: Reuters/Eric Gaillard (hostesses at Monte Carlo ball), Reuters/Hyungwon Kang (campaign signs in Virginia)