Republicans are enjoying their first big win in years, taking the governor’s seat tonight in Virginia for the first time since 1997.

The Republican Governors Association sees it as the beginning of a Republican renaissance.

“Bob McDonnell’s victory gives Republicans tremendous momentum heading into 2010,” RGA Chairman Haley Barbour said in a statement. “Virginia is an important swing state that had been trending blue for 12 years.”

“Bob McDonnell proves that when Republicans campaign on solutions to the challenges on voters’ minds, we win,” he added. “His focus on ideas and pocketbook issues will serve as a model for Republicans running next year.”

The Lt. Governors Race is also going Republican as well as the Attorney General and several house seats in Virginia. A Big move to the Right in Virginia and a sign of things to come nationwide.