NYT: "Republicans Poised to Make Gains in Races for Governor"

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WASHINGTON — Republicans are well-positioned to pick up a substantial number of governor’s seats in this year’s election, with potentially far-reaching effects on issues like implementation of the new health care law, Congressional redistricting and presidential politics.

Democrats hold 26 governorships and Republicans 24. But the balance appears likely to shift, perhaps markedly, with Republicans holding the upper hand in many of this year’s 37 races, including those in crucial political battlegrounds.

In Iowa, Michigan and Pennsylvania — all states that have Democratic governors — Republicans have pulled away from their opponents. The Republican Party is also increasing its investment in Democratic-leaning states like Illinois, Massachusetts and Oregon, seeing opportunities for pickups there as well.

Democrats are in tough fights in Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin, hoping to block a Republican sweep of the Midwest. Democrats are intensifying efforts in California, Florida and Georgia, all tossup races at the moment in states that have Republican governors.

Much of the focus has been on Republican efforts to win control of Congress, but a wave of Republican victories in the governor’s races could have just as significant, and potentially longer lasting, implications.

Full story: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/11/us/politics/11govs.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all