Deeds called McDonnell and congratulated him on the victory after preliminary recount results showed he could not overcome the margin. Deeds spokesman Mark Bergman said final numbers still were being tallied.

Totals from voting machines were rechecked in most of Virginia's 134 localities Tuesday. Results from each of the state's more than 2,500 precincts were sealed in envelopes, along with any challenged ballots, and delivered by state police to Richmond for a final tally and review by a three-judge panel.