Governor News & Analysis

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…

Irish Immigrant Is Nexus of O’Malley’s DGA

by Nathan L. Gonzales February 15, 2011 · 8:23 AM EST

Colm O’Comartun grew up on another continent, but he’s stepping into one of Washington’s most important campaign positions.

The Irish-born O’Comartun couldn’t have known that one day he would be executive director of the Democratic Governors Association, but his love for policy and record of loyal service to…

‘Mr. Hustle’ Takes Virginia Record to National Stage

by Nathan L. Gonzales February 14, 2011 · 10:20 AM EST

Phil Cox is the only left-winger in the country trying to get Republicans elected governor.

From the hockey rink to the campaign trail, Cox has never been the attention-getter. But after managing Republican Bob McDonnell’s gubernatorial victory in Virginia and now as the new executive director of the…

Kentucky Governor: Insert Horse Race Analogy Here

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 17, 2010 · 3:30 PM EST

Two years ago, who would have thought that candidates would be trying to emulate Ron Paul’s son’s campaign? But after Republican Rand Paul’s incredible rise to the U.S. Senate from Kentucky last year, at least one candidate is trying to recreate the magic in 2011. 

The cement is…

Mississippi Governor: Haley’s Shadow

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 17, 2010 · 3:29 PM EST

The political world will be watching Mississippi next year, but not necessarily because of the state’s gubernatorial election.

Out-going Gov. Haley Barbour (R) is a potential presidential candidate and would be viewed as a considerable force in the contest for the GOP nomination in 2012 if he decides…

Louisiana Governor: Lonely at the Top

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 17, 2010 · 3:28 PM EST

Technically, voters in Louisiana will select a governor next year, but almost a year out from the election it doesn’t look as if Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) is going to have much of a race.

President Obama lost the state by almost 20 points in 2008, but Democrats…