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Former Virginia Sen. Brandon Bell endorsed Republican Bob McDonnell for governor Wednesday after spending most of the summer and fall in support of Democrat Creigh Deeds.

Bell, a Republican, served two separate terms in the Senate but was defeated twice, first by Sen. John Edwards, D-Roanoke, in a general election and later by Sen. Ralph Smith, R-Botetourt County, in a 2007 primary.

Bell was among seven Republicans who endorsed Deeds in July. Bell said at the time that he had worked with both men but that Deeds "simply will make better decisions on key issues facing the commonwealth."

In a news release Wednesday, Bell said that he had shifted stances based on the strength of McDonnell's campaign and "his determined focus on rolling out specific policy proposals for Virginia's future."

Bell said in an interview Wednesday that he initially endorsed Deeds because of his approach to state government. He said he still likes Deeds and his decision to switch "wasn't personal."

Over recent weeks, though, Bell said he had become alarmed at the direction of federal government, particularly on health care and cap-and-trade energy legislation.

"I don't feel like Creigh would stand up and say, 'That's not where Virginia should be,' " Bell said. "I feel like Bob would be better at standing for limited government, particularly at the federal level. ... That was primarily the driver."

-- Mason Adams