Virginia lawmaker attacked at home

BATH COUNTY -- Virginia state Sen. Creigh Deeds was hospitalized for "serious injuries" after an assault Tuesday morning at his house in Bath County, where a second individual was found dead, Virginia state police said.

Deeds was flown to the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, where he remains in critical condition, according to spokesperson Angela Taylor.

Taylor could not provide additional details.

Deeds ran unsuccessfully as the Democratic nominee for governor against Republican Bob McDonnell in 2009 and as the Democratic nominee for Attorney General–also against McDonnell–in 2005. He narrowly lost the latter race in a recount.

McDonnell released a statement calling the news "heartbreaking."

"In this tough and sad time, our thoughts and prayers are with the Deeds family. The news from this morning is utterly heartbreaking," he said. "Creigh Deeds is an exceptional and committed public servant who has always done what he believes is best for Virginia and who gives his all to public service. He cares deeply about Virginia, and the people of Virginia care deeply for him."

Governor-elect Terry McAuliffe, who won this month's gubernatorial contest, also released a statement.

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