Leaders in both parties claim victories after Va. primaries

(AP) – Leaders in both the Republican and Democratic parties got what they wanted out of Virginia’s primary elections.
    
Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe saw his preferred candidates win a crucial state Senate primary and knock off a conservative Democrat House delegate who opposed Medicaid expansion, one of the governor’s top priorities.
    
GOP House Speaker William J. Howell easily dispatched a primary challenge against a former political protege. Howell’s victory headlined a string of victories by establishment Republicans over the party’s more conservative wing, including in a closely watched state Senate race.
    
Both Republicans and Democrats said they are well positioned for the general election following Tuesday’s primary. Both parties are expected to spend heavily to try and win control of the state Senate.