"The governor's race was closer than expected, and Democrats gained little in the House of Delegates – it's a formula for gridlock," said University of Virginia political scientist Larry Sabato. "Realistically, McAuliffe is not going to get any big tax or spending plans passed. He would be better off to focus on smaller, discreet objectives in areas where he could make common cause with at least some GOP legislators. And he has appointments, the veto power, executive orders, and the bully pulpit – all substantial tools."