*'''Colorado'''
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%.
*'''Illinois'''
*'''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 Holds===