Governor News & Analysis

Why Is There So Much Mud in South Carolina?

by Stuart Rothenberg October 19, 2011 · 12:52 PM EDT

When South Carolina state Rep. Thad Viers (R) came in for an interview recently, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

I knew that he was a successful, young officeholder who surely was one of the favorites to win in the Palmetto State’s new Congressional district. I knew that…

West Virginia Election More Molehill Than Mountain

by Nathan L. Gonzales October 4, 2011 · 10:46 AM EDT

After two September special election losses, Democrats are looking for a slice of good news. But what smelled like Democratic victory in West Virginia just a week ago is now far from certain, and even a win in today's gubernatorial contest shouldn't provide much solace to Democrats nationwide.

West Virginia Governor: Down to the Wire

by Nathan L. Gonzales September 23, 2011 · 3:57 PM EDT

The special election is less than two weeks away, and the spending and the polling in the race indicate the contest could be close.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin (D) and businessman Bill Maloney (R) are on television with ads, and the DGA and RGA are on the air…

New Hampshire Governor: Lynch Bows Out

by Nathan L. Gonzales September 23, 2011 · 3:55 PM EDT

Gov. John Lynch (D) ended the months of speculation by announcing he would not seek a fifth two-year term. His decision has significant repercussions because it takes a likely safe governorship for the Democrats and creates a very competitive race.

Former Senate candidate Ovide Lamontagne, who…

Two Former Democratic Aides Raise a Ruckus

by Nathan L. Gonzales September 8, 2011 · 10:08 AM EDT

Nathan Daschle and Ray Glendening are two of the last people you would expect to be politically homeless.

With prominent fathers, Democratic politics is literally in their blood and, more recently, the duo worked at the Democratic Governors Association. But Daschle and Glendening no longer feel the same…

2011-12 Gubernatorial Outlook (August 12, 2011)

by Nathan L. Gonzales August 12, 2011 · 2:59 PM EDT

Four gubernatorial races this fall have turned into remarkably boring contests, with each party likely to hold its two governorships. Next year is only looking slightly more exciting, but Democrats are on the defensive since Republicans only hold three of the eleven states up in 2012.

DELAWARE –…

Ask a Bad Question, You’ll Get a Bad Answer

by Stuart Rothenberg July 8, 2011 · 1:58 PM EDT

I avoid back-and-forth public arguments, believing that after I’ve made my case readers can decide for themselves who and what they believe. But I’m making an exception with this follow-up column.

I recently challenged those who argue that unpopular Republican governors seriously damage the prospects of the eventual…

Rick Perry: Republican Savior or GOP Disaster?

by Stuart Rothenberg June 22, 2011 · 11:22 AM EDT

The buzz about Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s possible entrance into the presidential race grows, but the Republican’s cheerleaders ought to tread carefully when it comes to a Perry candidacy — very carefully.

Perry, 61, surely would be a serious contender for the GOP nomination, at least initially. He…

Will Governors Hurt GOP’s White House Prospects?

by Stuart Rothenberg June 17, 2011 · 9:32 AM EDT

After seeing the argument multiple times that Republican governors’ low poll numbers in key states could severely damage the prospects of the eventual GOP presidential nominee, I figured it was time to track down how that argument spread and to take a look at it.

On May 25,…

2011-12 Gubernatorial Outlook (April 1, 2011)

by Nathan L. Gonzales April 1, 2011 · 3:01 PM EDT

After an exciting 2010 when nearly three-quarters of the states elected a governor, the four-year gubernatorial cycle starts again with four sleepy races. The two parties will battle in Kentucky and West Virginia this year, with North Carolina, Montana, Missouri, and West Virginia (again) looking like the top states…