Tomblin, a 36-year politician who had served as acting governor since Joe Manchin left the governorship for the Senate last fall, defeated Republican drilling executive Bill Maloney in a contest that became nationalized in its closing days.

Tomblin beat Maloney 49.6 percent to 47 percent.

“We all came together to tell outside groups that no one is going to tell us what to do in West Virginia,” said Tomblin in remarks from his victory party in Charleston. “We may be open for business, but West Virginia is not for sale.”

“Tonight the people of West Virginia sent a clear message to national Republicans. Even in the most competitive circumstances, Gov. Tomblin was able to highlight his record of effectiveness and withstand Republican attempts to nationalize the race,” said Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, chairman of the Democratic Governors Association. “Ultimately, the people of West Virginia elected Gov. Tomblin because they know he is best suited to create jobs and expand opportunity.”

Maloney fought back from what was once a 30-point race to narrow the contest to a near draw, with the help of nearly $3.5 million in television ads from the Republican Governors Association. The onslaught of commercials — including the final salvo linking Tomblin to “Obamacare” — clearly did damage to Tomblin’s image, but did not prove to be the death blow that some Democrats had feared. Overall, Republicans outspent Democrats 2-to-1 on the race, including candidates and committees.

The 30-second spot charging Tomblin with complicity in the implementation of “Obamacare” rotated heavily in the Mountain State this weekend, including during prime slots in the pricey Washington D.C. market, which covers just a few thousand voters in the state’s eastern panhandle.

But Maloney, a first-time candidate and political novice, underperformed in that area, taking only 49 percent in Jefferson County, the easternmost county in the state.

Tomblin also benefited by campaigning on the record of Manchin, the most popular politician in the state. The two appeared together in Tomblin’s closing ad, and one relieved Democrat called it a “smart spot” that might have made the difference in the race.

“Joe Manchin’s role in Tomblin overcoming Maloney’s northern strategy was vital,” said Drew Nettles, a West Virginia native and political consultant with ties to the energy industry.

Maloney also underperformed in key northern counties, including Marion, which sits just south of Morgantown and Ohio, which lies in the northern panhandle.

“The north did not extend as far south as expected. Maloney ran right into Joe Manchin at the Marion County line. Their approach required big pluralities in both panhandles and they did not get it,” Nettles said.

But a Republican official, speaking on the condition on anonymity, said the fact that Maloney turned a double-digit race into a low-single-digit nailbiter that had Democrats sweating until the Associated Press call came just after 9 p.m. eastern.

Even before the polls had closed, Republicans started to rein in expectations, saying the last-minute ad investment was smart even if Maloney came up short because it would soften Tomblin up in 2012, when he’ll have to share the ballot with Obama. A weekend Public Policy Polling survey showed Obama with an abysmal 28 percent approval rating.

“The Democrats enjoyed major structural advantages in a low-turnout race and barely squeaked out a win. They can breathe a sigh of relief, but they know it will be even tougher for them to hold on with Obama at the top of the ticket next year,” said the Republican official.

Maloney acknowledged his long odds in his concession speech, noting that when he got into his race “our campaign could have fit into a phone booth.”

“We had zero name recognition, zero traction and zero chance – according to the experts. But we had faith, we had drive, and most importantly, we had your support,” he said before congratulating Tomblin.

Maloney would appear to be the favorite for the GOP nomination to challenge Tomblin again next year, when he runs for a full term, but in his speech offered no hints of whether he’d be up for another gritty campaign.

“The people made their choice, and I respect their decision. I urge all of you to work with [Tomblin] when and where you can. And where you disagree, by all means, make your voices heard. Opposition is the essence of democratic participation. But remain a loyal opposition, always,” he said.