So You Want to be Governor?

In 2008 there were gubernatorial contests. Really. there will be a number of contests in 2009 and 2010 as well. It was recently noted the Republicans have pinned their comeback hopes on capturing state houses in the next set of elections. Good luck with that.

Here's a rundown.

• Alabama - Bob Riley (R) is term-limited, but another Republican is certain to come along and keep the red streak going.
• Alaska - Governor Spunky will be up for reelection in 2010. Does she stay there or can she see the Senate from her house?
  
• Arizona - The new Governor of Arizona is crazy. Right-wing Fundamentalist Republican crazy. Let's hope for a switch back to blue.
• Arkansas - Mike Beebe (D) is doing just fine in a Southern state that likes to elect Democrats.
  
• California - The Guvahnator is term-limited. Expect a Democrat in Sacramento, possibly Senator Diane Feinstein.
• Colorado - Bill Ritter is happy in the Governor's mansion in the Mile High state.
  
• Connecticut - sure there's some issues there. But Jodi Rell (R) is not going anywhere.
• Florida - Charlie Crist (R) got passed over for VP, is he thinking Senate or another term in Tallahassee?
  
• Georgia - Sonny Perdue (R) is also heading for the exit, but like its neighbor, Alabama, no chance for a Democratic pickup.
  
• Hawaii - Linda Lingle (R) has been a fair to middling Governor for the Aloha state. But let's note this is our new President's home state. She can't run again and the state's going Democratic.
• Idaho - Butch Otter (one of the best named Governors around) is safe in Republican-rich Potato land.
  
• Illinois - Know who the new governor of Illinois is? His name is Pat Quinn (D) and he is doing just fine. And he surely doesn't swear as much as his predecessor.
• Iowa - Chet Culver (a close second for great name governors) is doing fine as a Democrat in a state that went purple in 2008.
  
• Kansas - Kathleen Sebelius (D), for the moment, may have missed out on a new job in the Obama Administration and she can't run again. This is a state the Republicans may be able to pick up, although scary Sam Brownback is running so anything's possible.
• Maine - John Baldacci is out. It's unclear as to who will fill the void in Augusta.
  
• Maryland - With Michael Steele having been elected chair of the RNC and former Governor Bob Ehrlich declaring he doesn't want a rematch with Martin O'Malley (D), O'Malley should cruise to a second term.
  
• Massachusetts - Deval Patrick (D) is doing a fine job in the Bay State. He's not going anywhere (except maybe Washington if his friend the President calls)
  
• Michigan - Jennifer Granholm (D) has been a popular governor in Michigan. But she can't run again and the Democratic field is slim. Tossup.
  
• Minnesota - Does Tim Pawlenty (R) want to be President? Many think he should have been the vice presidential nominee for John McCain. If he wants to stay on the national stage, he is going to need to win reelection.
• Nebraska - Dave Heineman (R) got his current job when Mike Johanns went to work for [former] President Bush. In this red state, he will cruise to reelection.
  
• Nevada - Jim Gibbons is a Republican in a state that is turning purple. This race is a tossup even before he has an opponent.
• New Hampshire - New Hampshire governors only serve two terms. For now, Jon Lynch is safe.
  
• New Jersey - Jon Corzine (D) has lots of money to burn. But his approval ratings are in the toilet in the Garden State. I think he might take his marbles and go home. A 2009 race.
  
• New Mexico - Bill Richardson had to withdraw as Commerce Secretary-designate after some wrongdoings surfaced. He is term-limited, but would have trouble winning anyway.
  
• New York - David Patterson moved into the Governor's Mansion after Eliot Spitzer had a little personal trouble. He is likely to win election in his own right.
  
• Ohio - Ted Strickland was considered for Obama's running mate. He was left behind in the Buckeye State and is likely to win reelection.
  
• Oklahoma - It's the reddest state in the country. Brad Henry (D) is out after two terms and a Democrat will likely not be selected.
• Oregon - Ted Kulongoski (D) is term limited but the state should stay blue at the state level.
  
• Pennsylvania - Ask most Pennsylvanians and they will tell you that Ed Rendell (D) bought his way to Harrisburg. That may hurt democratic chances to hold this governorship (he's also term-limited).
  
• Rhode Island - Another state that has no business having a Republican in the governor's mansion - especially when its Don Carcieri. He's done and its a Democratic pickup.
• South Carolina - Mark Sanford (R) is term-limited, but the party should keep control of the state house.
  
• South Dakota - Mike Rounds (R) is out after two terms. Another tossup.
• Tennessee - Phil Bredesen is another rare Democrat in a red state and heading for the door. This race is also a tossup.
• Texas - Rick Perry (R) has no intention of vacating the premises. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R) may have something to say about that.
  
• Vermont - Jim Douglas (R) can run again for Governor, where the governors only serve two year terms. But can he win in a state turning more and more purple/blue?
  
• Virginia - In the marquee race of 2009, Tim Kaine (D) is leaving Richmond after only one term (that's all Virginia governors are allowed - it's ridiculous). I think Democrats can hold it, but it will be tough as the current Democratic candidate is Terry McAuliffe, who has all that Clinton baggage with him.
• Wisconsin - Jim Doyle (D) is likely to win a second term in America's Dairyland.
  
• Wyoming - Another Democrat in a sea of Red. Dave Freudenthal is term limited and this state should revert back to the GOP.