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Line 333: − The top races for governorships, and the parties now in power, are:<ref>See [http://voices.washingtonpost.com/thefix/ for daily updates]</ref> − *1 Kansas incumbent=Democrat + − *2 R.I. incumbent=Republican − *3 Hawaii incumbent=Republican − *4 Nevada incumbent=Republican − *5 Tennessee incumbent=Democrat − *6 Michigan incumbent=Democrat − *7 Oklahoma incumbent=Democrat − *8 Florida incumbent=Republican, not running − *9 N.Y. incumbent=Democrat − + − + − + − *'''Virginia'''+ − Incumbent Democrat [[Tim Kaine]] was not seeking a second term because the [[Virginia]] constitution does not allow a governor to succeed himself (they are the only state in the nation to have such a provision). The Republican nominee, former state Attorney General [[Bob McDonnell]], defeated Democrat State Senator [[Creigh Deeds]] by an 18-point landslide. Additionally, Republicans maintianed the Lieutenant Governorship and Attorney General's offices.+ − ===2010===+ − + + + + + + + + + − + − *'''Alaska'''+ − [[Sarah Palin]], one-term Governor and former Vice-Presidential nominee, resigned on July 3rd, 2009 and Lieutenant Governor [[Sean Parnell]] inherited the governorship. Although 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 Republican in presidential politics. No Republicans have announced their candidacy, although former Congressman Asa Hutchinson may run.+ − + − After Democratic Governor [[Janet Napolitano]] was nominated by President Obama to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security, Arizona Secretary of State [[Janice K. Brewer]], a Republican, succeeded her. She has announced that she will seek a full term. <ref>http://phoenix.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2009/11/02/daily52.html</ref>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.+ − + − 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. State Attorney General and former Governor [[Jerry Brown]] won the Democratic nomination. On the Republican side, former [[Ebay]] CEO [[Meg Whitman]] defeated State Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner.+ − [[San Francisco]] Mayor [[Gavin Newsom]] was seeking the Democratic nomination, however dropped out in October 2009 after lackluster poll numbers and meager fund-raising receipts. <ref>http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-newsom-out31-2009oct31,0,7017003.story</ref>+ − *'''Colorado''' + − Despite recent success for Democrats in [[Colorado]], incumbent Governor [[Bill Ritter]] is retiring after the prospects of 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> <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_governor_elections/colorado/election_2010_colorado_governor_s_race</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. Despite her high approval ratings, she will not run for another term in 2010. <ref>http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1109/29346.html</ref> Republican Lieutenant Governor [[Michael Fedele]] has announced his candidacy. 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. Former Senate candidate [[Ned Lamont]] may run.+ − *'''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><ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_governor_elections/florida/election_2010_florida_governor</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.+ − *'''Illinois'''+ − + − + − Chet Culver, who was elected governor in 2006 riding on a Democratic wave, will likely face a competitive challenge in 2010. Culver's job approval rating has fallen as the economy continues to falter. Public opinion polls show he would lose by double digits if former Governor Terry Branstad, a Republican, runs. <ref>http://theiowarepublican.com/home/2009/07/17/former-governor-branstad-defeats-culver-53-to-37-in-head-to-head-matchup/</ref> <ref>http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2009/08/21/republican-survey-says-branstad-the-strongest-culver-challenger/</ref> <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_governor_elections/iowa/toplines/toplines_iowa_governor_s_race_september_22_2009/</ref> Announced GOP candidates include State Rep. Christopher Rants, state Senate Minority Leader Paul McKinley, and state Rep. Rod A. Roberts. U.S. Congressman Steve King may also run. + − + − + − + − Democrat Martin O'Malley will likely run for a second term in 2010. O'Malley's approval rating have fallen to 33% after a series of tax increases. The race is expected to become competitive with former Governor Robert Ehrlich seeking a rematch. + − + − + − Governor [[Deval Patrick]], although a Democratic Governor from a blue state, will likely face a difficult reelection after a disappointing performance as governor. Republican candidates include health care executive Charlie Baker and businessman Christy Mihos. Polls show Deval trailing both of his Republican opponents. <ref>http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/specials/072609_poll/</ref> <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_governor_elections/massachusetts/election_2010_massachusetts_governor</ref> <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_state_toplines/massachusetts/toplines_election_2010_massachusettes_governor_august_10_2009/</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 Republicans 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. 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'''+ − + − + − + − + − 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.+ − + − + − + − Democratic Governor [[Brad Henry]] cannot run for reelection because of term limits. Lieutenant Governor Jari Askins and Attorney General Drew Edmondson are seeking the Democratic nomination, while Republicans are united behind Congresswoman Mary Fallin. A Public Policy Poll shows Fallin leading both Askins and Edmondson. <ref>http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_OK_520.pdf</ref>+ − + − Incumbent Democratic Governor [[Ted Strickland]] may be vulnerable in his reelection as Ohio suffers from over 10% [[unemployment]], the 10th highest out of 50 states and crippling taxes, the 4th worst in the nation. [[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 December 2009 Rasmussen poll has Kasich leading by a 48%-39% margin. <ref>http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_governor_elections/ohio/election_2010_ohio_governor</ref>+ − + − Democratic Governor [[Ted Kulongoski]] cannot seek a third term. Former Governor John Kitzhaber is seeking the governorship again. Former Oregon Secretary of State Bill Bradbury is also running. Republicans have lessor-known candidates, including Businessman Allen Alley, State Senator Jason Atkinson, and former Oregon State Senator John Lim. + − + − Democratic Governor [[Ed Rendell]] is term limited in 2010. Announced Republican candidates include Attorney General Tom Corbett. Democrat Auditor General Jack Wagner is running. A December 2009 Quinnipiac poll showed Corbett leading Wagner by a 43%-33% margin. <ref>http://www.pollster.com/blogs/pa_2010_gov_quinnipiac_12814.php</ref> 6th district Congressman Jim Gerlach was a Republican candidate, however dropped out in January and is seeking reelection instead.+ − + − 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 General, may also run. <ref>http://www.projo.com/news/efitzpatrick/edward_fitzpatrick_0820_08-20-09_BGFE6HF_v26.3987b72.html</ref> + − + − + − − *'''Tennessee''' − − Democratic Governor [[Phil Bredesen]] is term limited and unable to seek reelection. Tennessee, a Republican-leaning state, will likely have a competitive contest. Announced Republican candidates are 3rd district Congressman Zach Wamp, Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam, and Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey. Democrats include Tennessee Senate Minority Leader Jim Kyle, former State House Majority Leader Kim McMillan, State Senator Roy Herron, and former attorney Mike McWherter. − + − + − − *'''Vermont''' − − Although a solidly Democratic state (Barack Obama won it by over 67% of the vote) Republican [[Jim Douglas]] was elected governor in 2002 and reelected in 2004, 2006, and 2008. Douglas has announced he will not run for another term, and Republicans are hoping for Lieutenant Governor [[Brian Dubie]] to enter the race. Randy Brock, an African-American conservative who served as State Auditor and in the Vermont Senate, may also run. Democrat candidates include Doug Racine, Lieutenant Governor under [[Howard Dean]], as well as Vermont Secretary of State Deborah Markowitz.
→Governors
==Governors==
==Governors==
In the 2010 gubernatorial elections, the Democratic Party won five governorships held by retiring Republicans: [[California]], [[Connecticut]], [[Hawaii]], [[Minnesota]], and [[Vermont]]. The Republican Party won nine governorships from retiring Democrats: [[Kansas]], [[Oklahoma]], [[Maine]], [[Michigan]], [[New Mexico]], [[Pennsylvania]], [[Tennessee]], [[Wisconsin]], [[Wyoming]], and defeated two incumbents, [[Chet Culver]] of [[Iowa]] and [[Ted Strickland]] of [[Ohio]]. An Independent was elected Governor of [[Rhode Island]] to replace a retiring Republican, and a Republican was elected Governor of [[Florida]] to replace an Independent. Thus, Republicans had a net gain of six governorships, and the majority of Governors in the United States flipped from Democrat to Republican. Republicans also won the governorships of [[New Jersey]] and [[Virginia]] from the Democrats in the 2009 elections.
===2009===
===Democratic Gains===
*'''New Jersey'''
*'''California'''
Incumbent Democrat Governor [[Jon Corzine]] was defeated for reelection by a 45%-49% margin over [[Republican]] challenger [[Chris Christie]]. Corzine's approval ratings had plummeted as the New Jersey economy weakened, high property taxes were a heavy burden, and recurrent corruption scandals tainted Democrats in the state. In late October polls showed Christie tied with Corzine; Chris Daggett, a liberal Republican and former regional administrator for the [[Environmental Protection Agency]], who ran as an independent was polling as high as 20%, however underperformed with 6% of the vote.
Incumbent Republican [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] was 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, fell because of the California budget crisis. State Attorney General and former Governor [[Jerry Brown]] won the Democratic nomination. On the Republican side, former [[Ebay]] CEO [[Meg Whitman]] defeated State Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner.
[[San Francisco]] Mayor [[Gavin Newsom]] was seeking the Democratic nomination, however dropped out in October 2009 after lackluster poll numbers and meager fund-raising receipts. <ref>http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-newsom-out31-2009oct31,0,7017003.story</ref> In the general election, Brown defeated Whitman by a 53%-42% margin.
*'''Connecticut'''
M. [[Jodi Rell]], despite being a Republican Governor from a blue state, was reelected with 63% of the vote in 2006 and had high approval ratings throughout her tenure as governor. However, she announced she would not run for another term. <ref>http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1109/29346.html</ref> Lieutenant Governor [[Michael Fedele]] has announced his candidacy, but was defeated for the Republican nomination by former U.S. Ambassador Tom Foley. Democrats chose Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy over former U.S. Senate candidate [[Ned Lamont]]. After a recount, Malloy was confirmed to have won the governorship by a 50%-49% margin.
*'''Alabama'''
*'''Hawaii'''
Republican Governor [[Linda Lingle]] was term-limited. James Aiona, who served as the state's [[Lieutenant Governor]] eight years, ran to become her successor, but was defeated by 10-term Congressman [[Neil Abercrombie]] by a 58%-41% margin.
*'''Minnesota'''
Two-term Governor [[Tim Pawlenty]] announced he would not seek another term, and became a potential 2012 GOP presidential candidate. Republican State Representative [[Tom Emmer]] and former Democratic U.S. Senator [[Mark Dayton]] won their parties nominations, respectively. After a recount, Dayton was confirmed to have won by a 0.5% margin.
*'''Vermont'''
Republican Governor [[Bob Riley]] is term-limited in 2010, both parties are expected to face a competitive primary. State Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks easily defeated 7th district Congressman Artur Davis for the Democratic nomination, while the Republicans will have a runoff. Republicans have won 5 out of the last 6 gubernatorial elections in Alabama, and John McCain won its 9 electoral votes by over 60-percentage points.
Although a solidly Democratic state (Barack Obama won it with over 67% of the vote) Republican [[Jim Douglas]] was elected governor in 2002 and reelected in 2004, 2006, and 2008. Douglas announced he would not run for another term, and Republicans nominated Lieutenant Governor [[Brian Dubie]]. Democratic State Senator Peter Shumlin defeated Dubie by a 50%-48% margin in the general election.
===Independent Gains===
*'''Rhode Island'''
Although Democrats have dominated Rhode Island politics, they have voted Republican for 7 of the last 10 gubernatorial elections. As Rhode Island was hit hard by the national recession, Republican Governor [[Donald Carcieri]] suffered in the polls, and was barred from seeking a third term because of term-limits. [[Lincoln Chafee]], former Senator who was known as the most liberal Republican in [[Congress]], was elected Governor as an Independent, defeating Republican John Robitaille and Democrat Frank Caprio. After President Obama refused to endorse Caprio, he caused controversy by telling Obama to take his endorsement and "shove it." <ref>http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101026/ap_on_el_gu/us_ri_governor_caprio</ref>
===Republican Gains===
*'''Arizona'''
*'''Florida'''
Republican turned Independent Governor [[Charlie Crist]] announced he would not seek a second term and instead run for the [[United States Senate]], resulting in an open race. State Attorney General [[Bill McCollum]] was heavily favored to win the Republican nomination, but was defeated by [[Rick Scott]], a millionaire health care executive and activist against federal health care legislation. Democrats nominated Chief Financial Officer [[Alex Sink]], who led Scott in most of the polls following the primary. Scott’s campaigned emphasized conservative policies such as expanding school choice, abolishing the corporate income tax, and firing state employees. <ref>http://www.slate.com/id/2279447/slideshow/2279496/</ref> He won the general election by a narrow 49%-48% margin.
*'''California'''
*'''Iowa'''
Chet Culver, who was elected governor in 2006 riding on a Democratic wave, was defeated in a competitive reelection. Culver governed as a progressive in a swing state, increasing the minimum wage and raising the cigarette tax. His job approval ratings fell as the economy continued to falter. Former Governor [[Terry Branstad]] defeated Culver by a 53%-43% margin.
*'''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 former Republican, took her place, and announced he would not seek a full term. Senator [[Sam Brownback]] was the Republican nominee, and defeated Democratic state Senator Tom Holland by a 63%-32% margin.
*'''Maine'''
Democrat Governor [[John Baldacci]] was term-limited by state law, and Republicans saw it as an opportunity to gain the governorship. Republicans nominated Waterville, Maine Mayor aul LePage, who defeated Independent candidate Eliot Cutler and Democratic state Senate President Libby Mitchell with a 38% plurarly.
*'''Michigan'''
Democratic Governor [[Jennifer Granholm]] suffered in her job approval ratings as the Michigan economy, heavily dependent of the auto industry, continued to falter throughout the 2000’s. She was legally barred from seeking a third-term under state law. The Republican nominee, former President and COO of Gateway, Inc. Rick Snyder, easily defeated Democrat Lansing Mayor Virgil Bernero by a 58%-40% margin in the general election.
*'''New Mexico'''
Democratic Governor [[Bill Richardson]] was nominated by 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 denied any wrongdoing. Although he was popular for most of his tenure, and handedly reelected in 2006, his approval ratings fell to 28% as the economy declined. As he was term-limited in 2010, Lieutenant Governor [[Diane Denish]] won the Democratic Party nomination. The Republican nomination went to District Attorney [[Susana Martinez]], and narrowly led in the polls throughout the campaign. She defeated Denish by a 54%-46% margin, becoming the first Hispanic woman elected governor in the United States.
*'''Ohio'''
Incumbent Democrat [[Ted Strickland]] faced sagging approval ratings and tough reelection prospects as Ohio lost jobs and population during his governorship. His Republican opponent, [[John Kasich]] – a former Congressman and Chairman of the House Budget Committee in the 1990’s – campaigned on phasing out the state income tax, leasing the state’s toll roads, cutting 15-20 percent of the state’s higher education funds, and relaxing sentences on nonviolent offenders to cut down prison costs. <ref>http://www.slate.com/id/2279447/slideshow/2279496/fs/0//entry/2279502/</ref> He defeated Strickland by a 49%-47% margin.
*'''Oklahoma'''
Democratic Governor [[Brad Henry]] could not run for reelection because of term limits. Republicans nominated U.S. Representative Marry Fallin, who defeated Lieutenant Governor Jari Askins, becoming the first woman elected governor of Oklahoma.
*'''Pennsylvania'''
Democratic Governor [[Ed Rendell]] was term limited in 2010. Democrats nominated Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato. Republicans nominated Attorney General Tom Corbett. 6th district Congressman Jim Gerlach was a Republican candidate, however dropped out in January and sought reelection instead. In the general election Corbett defeated Onorato by a 55%-45% margin.
*'''Tennessee'''
Democratic Governor [[Phil Bredesen]] was term limited and unable to seek reelection. Tennessee, a conservative-leaning state, elected Knoxville Republican mayor Bill Haslam over Democrat [[Mike McWherter]].
Democratic Governor Pat Quinn was installed as governor after the impeachment of [[Rod Blagojevich]]. QuinnBill Brady has announced he will seek a full term in 2010. Quinn narrowly won the Democratic nomination against State Comptroller Dan Hynes. State Senator Bill Brady won the Republican nomination, defeating State Senator Kirk Dillard, and former State GOP chair Andrew McKenna.
===Democratic Holds===
*'''Iowa'''
*'''Arkansas'''
Centrist Democrat [[Mike Beebe]] enjoyed high approval ratings throughout his tenure as Governor. He was reelected by a 65%-34% margin against former Republican State Senate Jim Keet, despite Republicans making strong inroads in the traditionally Democratic supporting Arkansas during the 2010 election.
*'''Kansas'''
*'''Colorado'''
[[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.
Despite Democratic success in [[Colorado]] during the 2006 and 2008 elections, incumbent Governor [[Bill Ritter]] announced his retirement after the prospects of a difficult reelection. His policies of higher taxes and unionization of state employees earned him criticism from the business community, and his approval ratings fell to 45%. <ref>http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jul/23/speakout-midway-in-first-term-ritter-struggles/</ref>. Former Congressman [[Scott McInnis]] was favored to win the Republican nomination, however fell in the polls after a controversy regarding plagiarizing an article, and was defeated by businessman and political newcomer Dan Maes, who also came received criticism for misrepresenting his law enforcement background in the 1980’s. Meanwhile, former Congressman [[Tom Tancredo]] entered the race in the American Constitution Party, and surged towards the end of the campaign. The turmoil made is easier for Denver Mayor [[John Hickenlooper]] to hold the Governors office for the Democrats, and was elected 50% of the vote, to Tancredo’s 37% and Maes 11%.
*'''Maryland'''
*'''Illinois'''
Democratic Governor Pat Quinn was installed as governor after the impeachment of [[Rod Blagojevich]], and announced he would seek a full term. Quinn narrowly won the Democratic nomination against State Comptroller Dan Hynes. State Senator Bill Brady won the Republican nomination, defeating State Senator Kirk Dillard, and former State GOP chair Andrew McKenna. In the general election, Quinn pulled somewhat of an upset, winning reelection by a 47%-46% margin.
*'''Maine'''
*'''Maryland'''
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.
Democrat Martin O'Malley will likely run for a second term in 2010. O'Malley's approval ratings fell to 33% after a series of tax increases. The race was expected to be competitive with former Governor Robert Ehrlich seeking a rematch, however O'Malley was reelected by 14 percentage points.
*'''Massachusetts'''
*'''Massachusetts'''
[[Deval Patrick]], although a Democratic Governor from a blue state, faced a difficult reelection after a disappointing performance as governor. The Republican nominee was health care executive Charlie Baker. Patrick was reelected with a 48% plurality, with Baker receiving 42% and Independent Paul Loscocco 8%.
*'''Michigan'''
*'''New York'''
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. The Republican nominee is former President and COO of Gateway, Inc. Rick Snyder while the Democrats nominated Lansing Mayor Virgil Bernero.
After Democratic Governor [[Eliot Spitzer]] resigned in disgrace when it was revealed that he was involved in a prostitution ring, Lieutenant Governor [[David Paterson]] took office. Governor Paterson's approval ratings 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]] declined to seek the governorship and endorsed former Congressman [[Rick Lazio]].
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 nominated a stronger candidate, State Attorney General [[Andrew Cuomo]]. Republicans nominated Tea Party favorite and real estate developer Carl Paladino. Polls originally showed a tightening race, however a series of missteps resulted in Cuomo being handedly elected with over 60-percent of the vote.
*'''Oregon'''
Incumbent Governor [[Ted Kulongoski]] could not seek a third term. Democrats nominated John Kitzhaber, who served as governor from 1995 until 2003. He defeated former NBA player Chris Dudley in the general election by a 49%-48% margin.
Republican Governor [[Dave Heineman]], who was easily reelected with 73% of the vote in 2006, is expected to easily win a another term.
===Republican Holds===
*'''Nevada'''
*'''Alabama'''
Republican Governor [[Jim Gibbons]] was defeated in the primary by former State Attorney General Brian Sandovalby. Gibbons was 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 have brought his approval ratings down. Clark County Commissioner Rory Reid — son of Senate Majority Leader [[Harry Reid]] - won the Democratic nomination.
Republican Governor [[Bob Riley]] is term-limited after two terms, and both parties faced a competitive primary. State Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks trounced 7th district Congressman Artur Davis for the Democratic nomination, while State Representative and physician [[Robert Bentley]] defeated former State Senator Bradley Byrne in the Republican runoff. Bentley led in the polls by twenty points though out the campaign, and was elected by a 58%-42% margin. Republicans have won 6 out of the last 7 gubernatorial elections in Alabama, and John McCain won its 9 electoral votes by 60-percentage points.
*'''New Mexico'''
*'''Alaska'''
[[Sarah Palin]], one-term Governor and former Vice-Presidential nominee, resigned on July 3rd, 2009 and Lieutenant Governor [[Sean Parnell]] inherited the governorship. Although Democrats nominated a formidable challenger, former State House Minority Leader Ethan Berkowitz, Parnell was elected to a full term by a 59%-38% margin.
*'''New York'''
*'''Arizona'''
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]] has declined to seek the governorship and has endorsed former Congressman [[Rick Lazio]]. 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.
After Democratic Governor [[Janet Napolitano]] was nominated by President Obama to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security, Arizona Secretary of State [[Janice K. Brewer]], a Republican, succeeded her. She announced that she would seek a full term. <ref>http://phoenix.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2009/11/02/daily52.html</ref>In the beginning of 2010, Brewer was considered to be one of the most vulnerable Republican Governors up for reelection. However, her popularity rose after signing a controversial illegal immigration law, and was reelected against state Attorney General Terry Goddard by a 55%-42% margin.
*'''Oklahoma'''
*'''Georgia'''
In 2002, [[Sonny Perdue]] became the first Republican elected Governor of Georgia since reconstruction, and was reelected in 2006. However, he was term-limited in 2010. With an open race, former Governor Roy Barnes handedly defeated Attorney General Thurbert Baker in the Democratic primary, while Republicans narrowly nominated Congressman Nathan Deal over Secretary of State Karen Handel. Deal defeated Barnes by a 53%-43% margin+.
*'''Ohio'''
*'''Guam'''
Guam Governor Felix P. Camacho, a Republican, was term limited in 2010. The Governors office stayed in Republican hands with the election of State Senator Eddie Calvo.
*'''Oregon'''
*'''Idaho'''
[[Butch Otter]], governor of one of the most conservative states in the nation, was reelected by a 59%-33% margin.
*'''Pennsylvania'''
*'''Nebraska'''
Republican Governor [[Dave Heineman]], who was easily reelected with 73% of the vote in 2006, was easily won another term with 74% of the vote.
*'''Rhode Island'''
*'''Nevada'''
Republican Governor [[Jim Gibbons]] was defeated in the primary by former State Attorney General Brian Sandovalby. Gibbons was vulnerable for his reelection after a series of scandals in his administration, a messy divorce and lawsuit, his failure to examine the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste site, and his handling of the budget, brought his approval ratings down. Clark County Commissioner Rory Reid — son of Senate Majority Leader [[Harry Reid]] - won the Democratic nomination. In the general election, Sandovalby defeated Reid by a 53%-42% margin.
*'''South Carolina'''
*'''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. State Representative [[Nikki Haley]] defeated Congressman Gresham Barrett in the Republican primary. State Senator Vincent Sheheen won the Democratic nomination.
Republican Governor [[Mark Sanford]]'s possible presidential ambitions for 2012 ended after it was exposed he was having an extramarital affair with a woman from [[Argentine]]. Sanford would not resign, however was barred from seeking a third term because of term limits. Both parties prepared for an open race. State Representative [[Nikki Haley]] defeated Congressman Gresham Barrett in the Republican primary. State Senator Vincent Sheheen won the Democratic nomination. Haley defeated Sheheen bu a 51%-47% margin, becoming the first woman elected Governor of South Carolina, and the second Indian-American elected Governor, next to [[Bobby Jindal]] of [[Louisiana]].
*'''South Dakota'''
*'''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. A December 2009 Public Policy Polling survey showed both Daugaard and Knudson leading Heidepriem by double digit margins. <ref>http://www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Release_SD_1217.pdf</ref>
Two-term Republican Governor [[Mike Rounds]] could not run for a third-term because of term limits. Republicans nominated Lieutenant Governor Dennis Daugaard and Democrats nominated state Senate Minority Leader Scott Heidepriem. Daugaard defeated Heidepriem by a 62%-38% margin.
*'''Texas'''
*'''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. Still, he defeated Senior Senator [[Kay Bailey Hutchison]] for the Republican nomination, aftering attacking her as a Washington insider and big spender. The Democratic nominee is former Houston Mayor [[Bill White]].
Former Lieutenant Governor under [[George W. Bush]] and now Governor, [[Rick Perry]] was elected for an unprecedented third consecutive term. Perry alienated some citizens with his support of the Trans-Texas Corridor and social conservatives with an executive order mandating vaccine for school girls. Still, he defeated Senior Senator [[Kay Bailey Hutchison]] for the Republican nomination, after attacking her as a Washington insider and big spender. The Democratic nominee was former Houston Mayor [[Bill White]].
*'''Utah'''
*'''Utah'''
Lieutenant Governor [[Gary Herbert]], Republican, inherited the governorship after Governor [[Jon Huntsman, Jr.]] resigned to serve as U.S Ambassador to [[China]]. In a state that has not elected a Democrat Governor since 1980, Herbert is favored to win a full term.
Lieutenant Governor [[Gary Herbert]], Republican, inherited the governorship after Governor [[Jon Huntsman, Jr.]] resigned to serve as U.S Ambassador to [[China]]. In a state that has not elected a Democrat Governor since 1980, Herbert was elected to a full term.
==Further reading==
==Further reading==