NBC NEWS - The White House is downplaying today's elections as a possible referendum on President Obama's performance.

"I don't believe that local elections in Virginia and New Jersey portend a lot about legislative success or political success in the future. I just don't," said White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs when pressed on the issue.

Republicans do, however, and they're hoping this is the first step toward winning back power in Washington.

"I truly do believe there's a political rebellion going on in our country," noted House Minority Leader John Boehner.

In the Democratic stronghold of New Jersey, incumbent Governor Jon Corzine was in a tight three-way race with Republican Chris Christie and independent Chris Daggett.

In Virginia Bob McDonnell was hoping to become the first Republican governor in eight years by defeating Democrat Creigh Deeds, who's campaigned with President Obama.

"The independent voters - they've not, they've not embraced some of these policies coming out Washington, and I think that's helped me this election," McDonnell said.

In upstate New York, GOP candidate Dierdre Scozzafava quit the race for the 23rd Congressional District seat, saying she'd taken too much abuse from her own party members who questioned her values.

She's backing Democrat Bill Owens over Conservative Doug Hoffman.

Still, Virginia is seen as the biggest test because it's become a swing state in recent years and handed president Obama an important victory.

NBC Augusta 26 News brings you straight to the point news, weather, and sports from Augusta and the CSRA. Meet our NBC Augusta 26 News staff!