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2010 Midterm Elections (view source)
Revision as of 23:48, September 29, 2009
, 23:48, September 29, 2009almost done
Although Obama was the first Democrat to win Virginia's 15 electoral votes, his approval ratings in the state have dropped below 50% since taking office, and McDonnell has continued to tie Creigh Deeds to federal legislation such as [[Card Check]] and the public option in [[health care]].
Although Obama was the first Democrat to win Virginia's 15 electoral votes, his approval ratings in the state have dropped below 50% since taking office, and McDonnell has continued to tie Creigh Deeds to federal legislation such as [[Card Check]] and the public option in [[health care]].
===2010===
*'''Alabama'''
Republican Governor [[Bob Riley]] is term-limited in 2010, both parties are expected to face a competitive primary. Announced Republican candidates include State Representative Robert Bentley, State Treasurer [[Kay Ivey]], businessman Tim James and former state Supreme Court chief justice Roy Moore, while announced Democrat candidate are 7th district Congressman [[Artur Davis]] and state Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks. Republicans have won 5 out of the last 6 gubernatorial elections in Alabama, and John McCain won it's 9 electoral votes by over 60-percentage points.
*'''Alaska'''
[[Sarah Palin]], one-term Governor and former Vice-Presidential nominee, resigned on July 3rd, 2009 and Lieutenant Governor [[Sean Parnell]] inherited to the governorship. Althhough Alaska has strong Republican-leanings, Parnell is being challenged by Speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives John Harris, while Democrat candidates include State Senator Hollis French and former State Representative Ethan Berkowitz.
*'''Arkansas'''
Democrat [[Mike Beebe]] has high approval ratings and is favored to win a second term, despite Arkansas trending more Republican in presidential politics. No Republicans have announced their candidacy, although former Congressman Asa Hutchinson may run.
*'''Arizona'''
After Democratic Governor [[Janet Napolitano]] was nominated by President Obama to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security, Arizona Secretary of State [[Jan Brewer]], a Republican, succeeded her. Although she has made mo official announcement, it is expected she will seek a full term. Brewer may be one of the most vulnerable Republican Governors in 2010. State Attorney General Terry Goddard has stated he has plans to run, while other possible Democratic candidates include Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon and former Tempe Mayor Neil Giuliano.
*'''California'''
Incumbent Republican [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] is prohibited from seeking reelection because of term-limits. Schwarzenegger was elected in 2003 after a recall of Governor [[Gray Davis]] and reelected in a landslide in 2006. However, Schwarzenegger's popularity, along with the Democratic assembly, have fallen since the California budget crisis. Democratic candidates include [[San Francisco]] Mayor [[Gavin Newsom]] and state Attorney General and former Governor [[Jerry Brown]]. Additionally, Democrats are waiting if senior Senator [[Dianne Feinstein]] runs. On the Republican side, businesswoman [[Meg Whitman]] has announced her candidacy, and could easily self-finance her campaign. State Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner and former Congressman Tom Campbell have formed exploratory committees.
*'''Colorado'''
Despite recent success for Democrats in [[Colorado]], incumbent Governor [[Bill Ritter]] is expected to face a difficult reelection. His policies of higher taxes and unionization of state employees has earned him criticism from the business community, and his approval ratings have fallen to 45%. <ref>http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jul/23/speakout-midway-in-first-term-ritter-struggles/</ref>. Announced Republican challengers include Scott McInnis, who represented western and southern Colorado in the U.S. House from 1993 through 2005, Colorado Senate Minority Leader Josh Penry, and businessman Dan Maes. Public opinion polls show McInnis leading Ritter by 5-8 points <ref>http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_CO_423.pdf</ref>, <ref>http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_CO_820925.pdf</ref> <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_governor_elections/colorado/toplines/toplines_colorado_governor_s_race_september_9_2009/</ref>, while Ritter and Penry are in a dead heat.
*'''Connecticut'''
M. [[Jodi Rell]], despite being a Republican Governor from a blue state, was reelected with 63% of the vote in 2006 and currently has a 75% approval rating. Although she has not officially announced her candidacy for another term, public opinion polls show her easily beating her potential Democratic opponents by 40-21 points. <ref>http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1296.xml?ReleaseID=1259</ref> Announced Democrats include Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy, former Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives James Amann, and Connecticut Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz.
*'''Florida'''
Republican Governor [[Charlie Crist]] has announced he will not seek a second term and instead run for the [[United States Senate]], meaning there will be an open race. Republican state Attorney General [[Bill McCollum]] and Democrat chief financial officer [[Alex Sink]] are strongly favored to win their party's nomination. Although Barack Obama won Florida's 27 electoral votes with 51% of the vote, they typically elected Republicans to state offices. Public opinion polls have McCollum leading Sink by 1-11 points. <ref>http://www.sayfiereview.com/sayfiereviewcompowerplay-poll-1.php/</ref> <ref>http://www.ronsachs.com/docs/may2009poll.pdf</ref> <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_governor_elections/florida/election_2010_florida_governor</ref> <ref>http://blogs.tampabay.com/buzz/2009/08/gop-poll-bill-mccollum-47-alex-sink-38.html/</ref> <ref>http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1297.xml?ReleaseID=1366/</ref>
*'''Georgia'''
Republican [[Sonny Perdue]], who was elected with 51% of the vote in 2002 and easily reelected in 2006, is term-limited in 2010. There is a crowded field of Republican candidates, including 9th district Congressman Nathan Deal, Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel, George Senate President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson, state Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, state Representative Austin Scott, and State Senator Jeff Chapman. Democrats have a series of formidable candidates as well, including state Attorney General Thurbert Baker, former one-term Governor Roy Barnes, Assembly Minority Leader DuBose Porter, Ray City Mayor Carl Camon, and former Commander of the Georgia National Guard David Poythress. Grady County [[NAACP]] President John Monds is seeking the [[Libertarian Party]] nomination. In 2008 Monds ran for Public Service Commissioner, and although he lost he became the first Libertarian to ever receive over 1 million votes (33%).
*'''Guam'''
Guam Governor Felix P. Camacho, a Republican, is term limited in 2010. Announced Republican candidates include Lieutenant Governor Michael W. Cruz, and State Senator Eddie B. Calvo. Former Governor Carl Gutierrez is seeking the Democratic nomination. D.C.'s political report has predicted the office will remain if Republican control. <ref>http://www.dcpoliticalreport.com/GU.htm</ref>
*'''Hawaii'''
Republican Governor [[Linda Lingle]] is term-limited in 2010. James Aiona, who has served as the state's [[Lieutenant Governor]] since 2002, is heavily favored to win the Republican nomination, while 10-term Congressman [[Neil Abercrombie]] is seeking the Democratic nomination. Hawaii Senate President Colleen Hanabusa and Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann may also run. A June Research 2000 poll shows Abercrombie leading Aiona by 9-percentage points, with 19% undecided. <ref>http://www.dailykos.com/statepoll/2009/6/17/HI/311/</ref>
*'''Idaho'''
[[Butch Otter]], governor of one of the most conservative states in the nation, has not indicated whether he will seek a second term (although he has held a number of fundraisers). If not Lieutenant Governor Brad Little may run. Announced GOP candidates include Ada County commissioner Sharon Ullman, and rancher Rex Rammell, who received 5.4% of the vote when he ran for Governor as an Independent in 2008. No Democrat has announced their candidacy, although Boise Mayor David Bieter has been mentioned as a potential candidate.
*'''Kansas'''
[[Kathleen Sebelius]], a Democratic Governor from the Republican-stronghold of Kansas, stepped down after being nominated to serve as Secretary of Health and Human Services in the [[Obama administration]]. Lieutenant Governor [[Mark Parkinson]], a Democrat who assumed the office of Governor after Sebelius' resignation, will not seek a term in his own right. Republican Senior Senator [[Sam Brownback]] has officially announced his candidacy for Governor. As of now no Democrat is running.
*'''Maine'''
Democrat Governor [[John Baldacci]] is term-limited by state law. Republicans see this as an opportunity to gain the governorship. Candidates include Matt Jacobson, President of Maine & Company, mayor of Waterville Paul LePage, State Senator Peter Mills, and Les Otten, former co-owner of the [[Boston Red Sox]]. Democrat candidates include State Senate President Elizabeth Mitchell, former Maine Attorney General Steven Rowe, State Representative Dawn Hill, and Biddeford Mayor Donna Dion.
*'''Michigan'''
Democratic Governor [[Jennifer Granholm]] has suffered in her job approval ratings as the Michigan economy, heavily dependent of the auto industry, continues to falter. She is legally barred from seeking a third-term under state law. Announced Republican candidates include 9th district Congressman Peter Hoekstra, state Attorney General Mike Cox, Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, State Senator Tom George, and former Huron County Commissioner Timothy Rujan. Rock star [[Ted Nugent]] has expressed interest in seeking the Republican nomination. <ref>http://www.knac.com/article.asp?ArticleID=4181</ref> Democrats include Lieutenant Governor John Cherry, State Representative Alma Smith, former Flint Mayor Don Williamson, and former State Representative John Freeman. Public opinion polls have Mike Cox leading John Cherry by 5-8 points. <ref>http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_Michigan_730.pdf/</ref> <ref>http://www.freep.com/Story_not_found</ref> <ref>http://detnews.com/article/20090925/POLITICS02/909250376/Poll-shows-edge-for-Cox-as-GOP-opens-leadership-conference/</ref>
*'''Minnesota'''
Two-term Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] has announced he will not seek another term and has become a potential 2012 GOP presidential candidate. Upon his announcement, several Republican jumped in the race, including State House Minority Leader Marty Seifert, former Minnesota State Auditor Patricia Anderson, State Representatives Paul Kohls and Tom Emmer, State Senator Mike Jungbauer, Minnesota Senate Minority Whip David Hann, and former State Representative Bill Haas. Former U.S. Senator [[Norm Coleman]] may run. Announced [[Democratic-Farmer-Labor-Party]] (DFL) candidates include Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives Margaret Anderson Kelliher, former State House Minority Leader Matt Entenza, State Senators Tom Bakk and John Marty, and State Representatives Paul Thissen and Tom Rukavina. Former United States Senator Mark Dayton, who left office as one of the most unpopular Senators in the nation, is also seeking the Democratic nomination.
*'''Nebraska'''
Republican Governor [[Dave Heineman]], who was easily reelected with 73% of the vote in 2006, is expected to easily win a another term.
*'''Nevada'''
Republican Governor [[Jim Gibbons]] may be vulnerable for his reelection after a series of scandals in his administration, a messy divorce and lawsuit, his failure to examine Yucca Mountain nuclear waste site, and his handling of the budget has brought his approval ratings down. Several Republicans are challenging him in a primary, including former Nevada Attorney General Brian Sandoval, former State Senator Joe Heck, and North Las Vegas Mayor Mike Montandon. Reno Mayor Bob Cashell may also run. No Democrats have announced their candidacy, although many have expressed interest, including Clark County Commissioner Rory Reid — son of Senate Majority Leader [[Harry Reid]] and state Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley. [[Las Vegas]] Mayor Oscar Goodman may run as a Democrat or independent.
*'''Rhode Island'''
Although Democrats have dominated Rhode Island politics, they have voted Republican for 7 of the last 9 gubernatorial elections. As Rhode Island has been hit hard by the national recession, Republican Governor [[Donald Carcieri]] has suffered in the polls, however is barred from seeking a third term because of term-limits. [[Lincoln Chafee]], former Senator who was known as the most liberal Republican in [[Congress]], is running for Governor as an Independent, and is a formidable candidate because of his name recognition. Possible Democratic candidates include state Attorney General Patrick Lynch and state General Treasurer Frank Caprio. State Representative Joseph Trillo will seek the Republican nomination, while former state Attorney General Arlene Violet, the first woman ever elected Attorney Geberal, may also run. <ref>http://www.projo.com/news/efitzpatrick/edward_fitzpatrick_0820_08-20-09_BGFE6HF_v26.3987b72.html</ref>
*'''New Mexico'''
Democratic Governor [[Bill Richardson]] was nominated by the President Obama to serve as Secretary of Commerce, however was forced to resign after it was exposed that his administration had a "pay-to-play" deal with a defense contractor. Richardson denies any wrong doing, and as he is term-limited in 2010, Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish is seeking the Democratic Party nomination. Albuquerque financial adviser Greg Zanetti and State Representative Janice Arnold-Jones have announced their candidacy for the Republican Party nomination. Possible candidates include former state GOP chair Allen Weh, former U.S. Representative Heather Wilson and Bernalillo County Sheriff Darren White.
*'''New York'''
After Democratic Governor [[Eliot Spitzer]] resigned in disgrace when was revealed he was involved in a prostitution ring, Lieutenant Governor [[David Paterson]] took office. Governor Paterson's approval ratings have plummeted to 21% <ref>http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/09/16/no-recovery-in-patersons-poll-numbers/?hp</ref> after his handling of the state budget crisis, his mismanagement of filling in the appointment of [[Hillary Clinton]]'s vacant Senate seat, and a proposed number of tax increases. Former New York City Mayor [[Rudy Giuliani]] is a likely Republican candidate, and is leading Paterson by 11-28 points in public opinion polls <ref>http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/12684/patersons-poll-s-go-from-bad-to-worse/#more-12684</ref> <ref>http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1284.xml?ReleaseID=1284&What=&strArea=;&strTime=0</ref> <ref>http://maristpoll.marist.edu/wp-content/misc/nyspolls/ny090428/2010%20Governor_Paterson_Giuliani.htm</ref> <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_governor_elections/new_york/toplines/toplines_2010_new_york_governor_race_september_22_2009/</ref> President [[Barack Obama]] in Sept. 2009 contacted Paterson, asking him not to seek reelection in 2010 in that he cannot recover from his dismal political standing. Democrats hope that a stronger candidate, such as State Attorney General [[Andrew Cuomo]] runs.
*'''Ohio'''
Incumbent Democratic Governor [[Ted Strickland]] may be vulnerable in his reelection as Ohio suffers from 10.8% [[unemployment]], the 10th highest out of 50 states. [[John Kasich]], former Congressman from the 12th district from 1983-2001 and host of the Ohio-based talk television program Heartland with John Kasich, is seeking the Republican nomination. A September 2009 Rasmussen poll has Kasich leading by a 46%-45% margin. <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_governor_elections/ohio/toplines/toplines_2010_ohio_governor_race_september_23_2009/</ref>
*'''South Carolina'''
Republican Governor [[Mark Sanford]]'s possible presidential ambitions in 2012 ended after it was exposed he was having an extramarital affair with a woman from [[Argentine]]. Sanford will not resign, however is barred from seeking a third term because of term limits. Both parties have prepared for an open race. Announced Republican candidates include state Attorney General Henry McMaster, 3rd district Congressman Gresham Barrett, State Senator Larry Grooms, and State Representative Nikki Haley. Lieutenant Governor Andre Bauer will likely run. On the Democratic side, candidates include state Superintendent of Education Jim Rex, State Senators Robert Ford and Vincent Sheheen, lobbyist Dwight Drake, and lawyer Mullins McLeod.
*'''South Dakota'''
Two-term Republican Governor [[Mike Rounds]] cannot run for a third-term because of term limits. Republican candidates include Lieutenant Governor Dennis Daugaard and State Senate Majority Leader Dave Knudson. For the Democrats State Senate Minority Leader Scott Heidepriem is running.
*'''Texas'''
Former Lieutenant Governor under [[George W. Bush]] and now Governor, [[Rick Perry]] is running for an unprecedented third consecutive term. Perry has alienated some citizens with his support of the Trans-Texas Corridor and social conservatives with an executive order mandating vaccine for school girls. Texas' Senior Senator [[Kay Bailey Hutchinson]] is challenging Perry in a primary. Although likable with a large constituency, she has taken some unpopular positions when voting for [[TARP]]. Larry Kilgore, who advocates that Texas succeeds from the union, is running. Democratic candidates include [[Kinky Friedman]], who is running in a second attempt for the governorship, and former State Representative Tom Schieffer.
==Further reading==
==Further reading==