United States gubernatorial elections, 2010

The United States gubernatorial elections of 2010 will be held on Tuesday, November 2, 2010 in 36 states with 20 of the seats held by Democrats and 16 by Republicans.

Election summaries

Eighteen governors are prohibited from seeking re-election in 2010 due to term limits. Additional open seats are possible if any of the governors listed below dies, resigns, retires, or is denied re-nomination in his or her party's primary.

Retiring or term-limited Democratic governors

Janet Napolitano (Arizona)

Governor Janet Napolitano will be term-limited in 2010.

Possible Democratic candidates are state Attorney General Terry Goddard, Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, and Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Possible Republican candidates are Secretary of State Jan Brewer, United States Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters (politician), State Treasurer Dean Martin, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne and former state Senate President Ken Bennett. [http://www.washingtontimes.com/elections/state/AZ/]

Kathleen Sebelius (Kansas)

Governor Kathleen Sebelius will be term-limited in 2010.

Former Democratic Attorney General Paul J. Morrison may run to succeed her. Morrison was elected in 2006, though, because of a sexual harassment suit against him, he resigned as Attorney General on January 31, 2008, and is therefore unlikely to run. Lt. Governor Mark Parkinson may also run, as could former Lieutenant Governor John E. Moore.

A possible Republican candidate is U.S Senator Sam Brownback. Brownback is retiring from the Senate in 2010 due to self-imposed term limits. Other possible Republican candidates are Secretary of State Ron Thornburgh and Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger.

John Baldacci (Maine)

Term Limits prevent Governor John Baldacci from seeking a third term. One possible candidate is Independent Barbara Merrill who managed a very strong 3rd place showing of 22 percent. Possible Democratic candidates include Senate President Beth Edmonds and Congressman Mike Michaud. The Maine Green Independent Party is also likely to field a candidate, such as former State Representative John Eder or current state party chair, attorney Lynne Williams.

Jennifer Granholm (Michigan)

Governor Jennifer Granholm will be term-limited in 2010. Potential Democratic candidates include Lt. Governor John D. Cherry, Congressman Bart Stupak, former Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, Genesee County treasurer Dan Kildee, Lansing Mayor Virgil Bernero, and Michigan House Speaker Andy Dillon. [http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080527/NEWS06/805270338 Hopefuls start early on governor's race | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press ] ] One announced candidate is Flint mayor Don Williamson. [ [http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/index.ssf/2008/05/flint_mayor_don_williamson_to.html Flint Mayor Don Williamson to run for governor, pledges to pay state $50K if elected - The Flint Journal Online News - Michigan Newspaper - MLive.com ] ]

Potential Republican candidates include 2006 nominee and businessman Dick DeVos, Attorney General Mike Cox, Congressman Pete Hoekstra, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, Congresswoman Candice Miller, Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, whose father was governor. [ [http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MjdlZjc5NWJjZTg4MTQwY2U2OWQxY2NhZWRhM2E2YWU=. National Review Online: Mitt for the Mitten ] ]

Bill Richardson (New Mexico)

Governor Bill Richardson will be term-limited in 2010.

Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish announced on January 10, 2007 that she will run for governor in 2010. If she wins, she would be the first female governor of the state and the first lieutenant governor in New Mexico history to be elected governor. [ [http://www.abqjournal.com/news/apdenish01-10-07.htm ABQJOURNAL: Denish Says She'll Run for Governor in 2010 ] ] Other possible Democratic candidates are Albuquerque mayor Martin Chavez and Fmr. State Attorney General and 2006 congressional candidate Patricia Madrid. One possible Republican candidate is Fmr. Congresswomen Heather Wilson. Another is Commissioner of Land Patrick H. Lyons.

Brad Henry (Oklahoma)

Governor Brad Henry is prevented from running for a third term due to term limits.

Possible Democratic candidates include Lieutenant Governor Jari Askins, Congressman Dan Boren, state Attorney General Drew Edmondson, and State Treasurer Scott Meacham. Possible Republican candidates include Congresswoman Mary Fallin [http://www.kfor.com/Global/story.asp?S=8841180&nav=menu99_2_6] , Congressman and NRCC Chair Tom Cole, businessman and former State Secretary of Energy Bob Sullivan, State Senator Todd Lamb and Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett. Some Republicans believed not to be interested are former Congressman and 2006 nominee Ernest Istook, former Senator Don Nickles, former Congressman J.C. Watts, former Congressman and 2002 nominee Steve Largent and retired General Tommy Franks.

Ted Kulongoski (Oregon)

Governor Ted Kulongoski will be term limited in 2010.

Possible Democratic contenders include former Governor John Kitzhaber, State Treasurer Randall Edwards, and Congressman Earl Blumenauer, while possible Republicans include state Senators Jason Atkinson and Bruce Starr as well as Congressman Greg Walden, the only Republican in Oregon's House delegation. Oregon leans only slightly Democratic on the presidential level, but Democrats have dominated state-level elections in recent years.

Ed Rendell (Pennsylvania)

Term limits prevent Governor Ed Rendell from seeking a third term.On the Democratic side, former Lieutenant Governor and 1994 gubernatorial nominee Mark Singel is reportedly considering a bid, as is state Democratic Party chairman T.J. Rooney, Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato, former congressman and Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel, state Representative Mike Gerber, State Senator Andrew Dinniman, Allentown Democratic party chairwoman Sam Bennett and Former State Treasurer and Auditor General of Pennsylvania Barbara Hafer.

Potential Republican candidates include former Republican congressman Pat Toomey, who lost a close primary challenge to U.S. Senator Arlen Specter in 2004. Toomey now runs the conservative Club for Growth and has a strong national fundraising network. Kingston Mayor Jim Haggerty, U.S. Attorney Tom Marino, State Representatives Bernie O'Neill, Karen Boback, Scott Petri and Brett Feese could also run. Former Republican Representative Melissa Hart has been mentioned as a possible candidate, although her 2006 defeat makes this less likely. Former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum may run. Former Lieutenant Governor and 2006 candidate Bill Scranton is considered likely to make a third try for the governorship, and state Senators John Pippy, Stewart Greenleaf and Lisa Baker has also been mentioned as potential candidates. Former Governor Mark Schweiker, who declined against a run in 2002, is also mentioned as a potential candidate.

Phil Bredesen (Tennessee)

Popular Democratic Governor Phil Bredesen will be term limited in 2010.

Potential Democratic candidates include U.S. Representatives Lincoln Davis, John S. Tanner and Steve Cohen, former Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell, former U.S. Representative and 2006 U.S. Senate candidate Harold Ford, and Senior Advisor to the Governor, and former Tennessee Rep. Kim McMillan.

Republican 3rd District Representative Zach Wamp has said he is interested in running for governor but says he will first concentrate on his 2008 Congressional campaign. [ [http://www.wate.com/Global/story.asp?S=6412851&nav=0RYv Zach Wamp 'strongly considering' run for governor ] ] Other potential candidates include former State Senator and 2006 gubernatorial candidate Jim Bryson, St. Rep. Beth Halteman Harwell, former U.S. Senator Bill Frist and U.S. Representatives Marsha Blackburn and David Davis.

A November 2007 Rasmussen Report poll has Former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist easily defeating former U.S Congressman Harold Ford Jr. 54% to Ford's 38%. [http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/election_2008__1/2008_presidential_election/georgia/georgia_2008_presidential_election] .

Dave Freudenthal (Wyoming)

Gov. Dave Freudenthal will be term-limited in 2010. Possible Republican candidates include Freudenthal's 2002 opponent, State House Speaker, and current State Senator Eli Bebout, State Secretary of State and Former State Auditor Max Maxfield, 2002 and 2006 Candidate Ray Hunkins, Former U.S. Attorney Matt Mead and Former State House Speaker and State GOP Chairman Fred Parady are all possible Republicans that could run. State House Speaker Roy Cohee, and State House Majority Leader Colin Simpson who will be speaker next session, both have expressed interest in the race, while State Senator Hank Coe has announced he intends to run for governor in 2010. Attorney and 2002 Candidate Paul Hickey is widely expected to run as a Democrat for either the U.S. Senate in 2008 or Governor in 2010, and State Senator Mike Massie might also run.

Retiring or term-limited Republican governors

Bob Riley (Alabama)

Bob Riley will be constitutionally term-limited in 2010.

On June 4, 2008, businessman and 2002 Republican gubernatorial primary candidate Timothy James announced he would make another bid for governor in 2010. ["James Makes Early Bid for Governor," "Mobile Press Register", June 4, 2008, p. A1 (listing possible candidates)]

Other often mentioned possible Republican candidates include State Treasurer Kay Ivey, Troy University chancellor Jack Hawkins, retiring U.S. Representative Terry Everett and attorney and 2006 Lieutenant Governor candidate Luther Strange.

As for the Democrats, U.S. Rep. Artur Davis, Lieutenant Governor Jim Folsom Jr., and state Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks are likely candidates.

Arnold Schwarzenegger (California)

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger will be term-limited in 2010.

In July 2008, former Republican congressman Tom Campbell filed papers to create an exploratory committee to raise money for a potential bid. [ [http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_9815135 Zapler, Mike. "Former South Bay lawmaker considers run at governorship," San Jose Mercury News, 8 July 2008.] ] Several months later, state Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner announced intentions to form an exploratory committee. [ [http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-me-poizner16-2008sep16,0,5763815.story Rothfield, Michael. "Steve Poizner joins race for California governor," Los Angeles Times, 15 September 2008.] ] Other potential Republican candidates include U.S. Representatives Darrell Issa, Dan Lungren, Elton Gallegly, Wally Herger, Ed Royce, Brian Bilbray, Buck McKeon, George Radanovich, Ken Calvert and David Drier, State Representative Bonnie Garcia, state Senators Tom McClintock and David Cox, state Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner, and former eBay chief Meg Whitman.

Several Democratic candidates have already set up websites for the campaign and election. U.S Representative Loretta Sanchez established an Exploratory Committee in November, 2005. [ [http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_779114.php "Rep. Sanchez ponders move out of House"] OCRegister.com. Retrieved February 4 2007] San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom formed his own exploratory committee in July, 2008. [ [http://www.latimes.com/news/local/politics/cal/la-me-newsom2-2008jul02,0,6664123.story "S.F. Mayor Newsom to explore run for governor"] Latimes.com. Retrieved July 2 2008] Other candidates include Attorney General and former Governor Jerry Brown, current Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi, and Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

onny Perdue (Georgia)

Republican Governor Sonny Perdue will be term-limited in 2010.

State Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine entered the race to replace Perdue in April 2008. [ [http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/shared-blogs/ajc/politicalinsider/entries/2008/04/23/the_ox_files_his_paperwork_for.html 'The Ox' files his paperwork for a 2010 run for governor | Political Insider | ajc.com ] [] Freshman U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson had been mentioned as a potential candidate, [ [http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/shared-blogs/ajc/politicalinsider/entries/2007/10/03/johnny_will_come_marchin_home.html Johnny will come marchin' home? | Political Insider | ajc.com ] ] but he has announced that he will not run for Governor and instead seek re-election to the Senate. [cite web |title=Isakson says he won’t run for governor, will seek re-election to U.S. Senate |url=http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/shared-blogs/ajc/politicalinsider/entries/2008/05/08/isakson_says_he_wont_run_for_g.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab |date=2008-12-04] Since he has passed on the race, potential candidates would include Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle, Congressman Lynn Westmoreland, State Senators Chip Rogers, Lee Hawkins and Chip Pearson, any of the Republican Public Service Commissioners, and Secretary of State Karen Handel.

An announced candidate on the Democratic side is former State Labor Commissioner, former State Adjtuant General and Ex-Army Lieutenant General David Poythress. Potential candidates on the Democratic side include Attorney General Thurbert Baker, Congressman Jim Marshall, former Secretary of State Cathy Cox, State Senator Michael Meyer Von Bremen, former State Representative Douglas Dean, 06' State House candidate Reginald Pugh, State Representatives Mike Glanton, Wade Starr, Darryl Jordan and Rick Crawford, House Minority Leader DuBose Porter, State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond, and Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin.

Linda Lingle (Hawaii)

Governor Linda Lingle will be term-limited in 2010.

Possible Republican candidates for the seat include Lieutenant Governor James Aiona, 04' Senatorial nominee Campbell Cavasso, former State Representative and current Honolulu City Council Member Charles Djou, and State Representative Cynthia Thielen.

Possible Democratic candidates include former U.S. Representative Ed Case, U.S. Representative Neil Abercrombie, State Senate President Colleen Hanabusa, former State Senator Malama Soloman, and Mayor of Honolulu Mufi Hannemann.

Dave Heineman (Nebraska)

Governor Dave Heineman will be term-limited in 2010.

Possible Republican candidates include Lieutenant Governor Rick Sheehy, Secretary of State John A. Gale, Attorney General Jon Bruning, State Auditor Mike Foley, State Treasurer Shane Osborn, Football Coach Tom Osborne, Senator Chuck Hagel, Congressmen Jeff Fortenberry, Lee Terry, and Adrian Smith, Businessman Pat Flynn, and 06' Senate nominee Pete Ricketts.

On the Democratic side, potential candidates include Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey, former Senator Bob Kerrey, War Veteran and 08' Congressional nominee Max Yashirin, State Senator Tom White, Businessman and 06' and 08' Congressional nominee Jim Esch, former Grand Island School Board member and 08' Congressional nominee Jay Stoddard, former Lieutenant Governor and 06' Congressional nominee Maxine Moul and 06' Congressional nominee and 08' Senatorial nominee Scott Kleeb.

A potential Third Party candidate would be Green Party Co-Chairman Steve Larrick.

Donald Carcieri (Rhode Island)

Governor Donald Carcieri will be term-limited in 2010.

A possible third party or Democratic contender is former U.S. Senator Lincoln Chafee, who was defeated in his bid for re-election in 2006. Possible Republican candidates include former Cranston Mayor & 2006 Senate candidate Steve Laffey, former Governor Lincoln Almond, 2006 Congressional candidate Edmund Leather and 2006 Congressional candidate Jonathan Scott.

Possible Democratic candidates include former Lieutenant Governor Charlie Fogarty, who performed better than expected in a 2006 challenge to Carcieri, state Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch, Providence Mayor David Cicilline, State Treasurer Frank Caprio, and Lt. Governor Elizabeth H. Roberts.

Mark Sanford (South Carolina)

Governor Mark Sanford will be term-limited in 2010.

According to Public Policy Polling, Republican South Carolinian Attorney General Henry McMaster, Republican Congressman for South Carolina's 3rd District Gresham Barrett, Democratic superdelegate Inez Tenenbaum, and Democratic South Carolina Superintendent of Education Jim Rex are all potential candidates. [http://publicpolicypolling.blogspot.com/2008/07/south-carolina-governor-2010.html]

Mike Rounds (South Dakota)

Governor Mike Rounds will be term-limited in 2010.

Potential Democratic candidates include former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle and Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin. On the Republican side, potential candidates include Lt. Governor Dennis Daugaard, Public Utilities Commissioner Dustin Johnson, former Lieutenant Governor Steve Kirby, and U.S. Senator John Thune could also run.

Democratic governors who may seek re-election

Mike Beebe (Arkansas)

Governor Mike Beebe may seek a second term in 2010.

Democrats hold all statewide offices as well as a supermajority in the Arkansas General Assembly. If Beebe decides to run for re-election, he likely would have an advantage over any Republican candidate. Arkansas limits its governors to two full terms; thus, Beebe would be ineligible to seek a third term in 2014.

Bill Ritter (Colorado)

Governor Bill Ritter may seek a second term in 2010.

Rod Blagojevich (Illinois)

Governor Rod Blagojevich may seek a third term in 2010, although it is possible his second term will be cut short due to various ethical issues [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rod_Blagojevich#Federal_Investigations]

One possible Democratic candidate whether or not Blagojevich seeks re-election is state Attorney General Lisa Madigan. Other possible Democratic candidates include Comptroller Dan Hynes, State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, and Lt. Governor Pat Quinn, and former Commerce Secretary William M. Daley (brother of Chicago mayor Richard M. Daley) and Senator Barack Obama, depending on the results of his 2008 Presidential Bid.. Possible Republican candidates include 2006 candidate Bill Brady, former State Treasurer and 2006 Republican nominee Judy Baar Topinka and State Senator Christine Radogno.

Chet Culver (Iowa)

Governor Chet Culver may seek a second term in 2010.

Martin O'Malley (Maryland)

Governor Martin O'Malley may seek a second term in 2010. O'Malley is considered to be particularly vulnerable for a Democrat running in Maryland, a Fox 5/The Washington Times/Rasmussen Reports poll in January of 2008, showed O'Malley as having a lower approval rating than Republican President George W. Bush, partly because of $1.4 billion in taxes, he received a 33 percent job-approval rating compared to Bush's 36 percent job-approval rating. [http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jan/08/omalleys-job-approval-lower-than-bushs/]

Former Lieutenant Governor Michael S. Steele., the 2006 Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate, has been mentioned as a possible challenger, or former Governor Robert Ehrlich, whom O'Malley defeated in 2006, could seek a rematch. Maryland State Senator E.J. Pipkin has also been mentioned as a possible candidate.

On June 4,2008, at the unveiling of Bob and Kendel Ehrlich's state portraits, Ehrlich said it will take him at least six months to decide if he'll run for governor again, adding that it is a family decision for the future. [http://wjz.com/local/portraits.annapolis.ehrlich.2.738160.html]

Deval Patrick (Massachusetts)

Governor Deval Patrick may seek a second term in 2010.

Former Republican Governor Mitt Romney is considered as a potential candidate. Also former Lieutenant Governor and 2006 Republican Gubernatorial nominee Kerry Healey, is considered a likely candidate, Healey when asked about a possible run told PolitickerMA.com, "I'm not closing the door." [http://www.politickerma.com/michaelgrass/996/healey-wont-close-door-2010-gubernatorial-run]

John Lynch (New Hampshire)

If he is re-elected in 2008, Governor John Lynch may seek a fourth term in 2010 (New Hampshire holds its gubernatorial elections every 2 years instead of the normal 4).

David Paterson (New York)

Governor David Paterson has announced he will seek a first full term in 2010. New York does not have term limits. Possible Republican candidates include Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef, State Senators John Flanagan and George Winner, and Congressman Peter King.

Ted Strickland (Ohio)

Governor Ted Strickland may seek a second term in 2010.

Former U.S. Senator Mike DeWine, who was defeated in bid for re-election in 2006, former Congressmen John Kasich and Rob Portman have been mentioned as a potential candidates.

Jim Doyle (Wisconsin)

Governor Jim Doyle will likely seek a third term in 2010.

Doyle was re-elected in 2006 by a margin of 53% to 45%. He has changed his website to www.jimdoyle2010.com. Doyle has not yet announced if he will run for a third term.Potential Democratic candidates if Doyle does not seek re-election include Lieutenant Governor Barbara Lawton, Congressman Ron Kind, Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk, who in 2006 narrowly lost a bid for state attorney general, State Senator Lena Taylor, and Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett (politician).

Republican Scott Walker, the three-term Milwaukee County Executive, is pondering either a challenge to Doyle or a run at an open seat in 2010. He hails from the Democratic stronghold of Milwaukee County, and could cut into any Democrats largest base.

Republican governors who may seek re-election

arah Palin (Alaska)

Governor Sarah Palin may seek a second term in 2010, if not elected as Vice President in 2008.

The highest-profile Democrat in Alaska, former Governor Tony Knowles, lost his last two statewide elections, including a run against Palin in 2006. Although there are relatively few strong Democrats in Alaska, Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich is one potential candidate (should he fail to unseat Senator Ted Stevens in the 2008 Senatorial race), along with State Representative Eric Croft.

Jodi Rell (Connecticut)

Governor Jodi Rell may seek a second full term in 2010. in August 2008 she told reporters she would be filing an exploratory committee for a re-election bid. [http://www.everydayrepublican.com/2008/08/15/breaking-governor-files-exploratory-committee/]

She also has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2010, against incumbent Democratic Senator Chris Dodd, who made an unsuccessful run for President in 2008 and who may retire.

A potential Democratic gubernatorial candidate is state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, who has been rumored to be a potential gubernatorial candidate for the past several election cycles but routinely has declined to enter the race. Retiring House Speaker James Amann has already announced he is running for Governor. Other possible candidates include Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy, who lost the 2006 Democratic primary for governor; New Haven Mayor and 06' Gubernatorial nominee John DeStefano, Congressmen John Larson, Joe Courtney and Chris Murphy and Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz.

Charlie Crist (Florida)

Governor Charlie Crist may seek a second term in 2010. Potential Democratic challengers include U.S. Representative Tim Mahoney (FL-16), should Mahoney be re-elected in 2008, state Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, and Florida House of Representatives Democratic Leader Dan Gelber, who is running for the state Senate in 2008 and is also considering the running for state Attorney General in 2010.Fact|date=August 2007 Former State Senator and 2006 Democratic gubernatorial primary candidate Rod Smith is not ruling out a run for Governor in 2010. Crist may also face a primary challenger from conservative Republicans unhappy with his moderate positions. Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio is said to be considering a primary run against Crist.

Butch Otter (Idaho)

Governor Butch Otter may seek a second term in 2010 and is the early favorite to win re-election in this heavily Republican state.

A former lieutenant governor and Congressman, Otter won a closer-than-expected open seat race in 2006 against Democrat Jerry Brady with 52.67% of the vote. Brady, who was the Democratic nominee in 2002 as well, will be 74 in 2010 and is reportedly not interested in a third consecutive gubernatorial run [http://www.idaho-democrats.org/ht/display/ArticleDetails/i/978071/pid/304476 Brady done, but other Idaho Dems consider running again] Accessed 16 August 2007] . In May 2007 Twin Falls businessman W. Lane Startin announced that he was forming an exploratory committee to run as a Democrat. State Senate Minority Leader Clint Stennett would be a leading Democratic contender should he decide to run.

Tim Pawlenty (Minnesota)

Governor Tim Pawlenty may seek a third term in 2010. Should he not run for reelection, possible Republican candidates are Lt. Governor Carol Molnau and Senator Norm Coleman.

Pawlenty was re-elected by a margin of 47% to 46% in the closest gubernatorial election in 2006, with a third party candidate picking up 6.4%. Possible Democratic candidates include Ramsey County attorney Susan Gaertner, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, St. Paul mayor Chris Coleman and former U.S. Senator Mark Dayton. Depending on the outcome of the 2008 Senate race, Al Franken may also be a potential candidate.

Jim Gibbons (Nevada)

Governor Jim Gibbons may seek a second term in 2010.

As of November, his approval rating is 40%, with 45% disapproving. [http://www.kren.com/Global/story.asp?S=7396859&nav=menu616_2_4] If this trend continues, he could face a very difficult re-election contest.

Democratic state Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto, State Treasurer Kate Marshall, Nevada Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley and Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman could challenge him. Current state Senate Minority Leader Dina Titus, who narrowly lost to Gibbons in 2006 may run. Titus is running for Congress in 2008. If she wins her candidacy seems unlikely. Popular Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman declined to run for Governor in 2006, but may run in 2010. A factor that may influence Gibbons' decision to run and his statewide popularity is a scandal involving a divorce from his wife, Dawn. She alleges that he was unfaithful to her; he denies the accusations. The FBI is also investigating possible irregularities in Gibbons' personal finances. [ [http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/forget-the-election-in-nevada-all-that-matters-is-the-governors-divorce-is-the-only-844161.html Forget the election, in Nevada all that matters is the governor's divorce - Americas, World - The Independent ] ]

Rick Perry (Texas)

Governor Rick Perry may seek a third full term in 2010.

After serving almost two years as the state's lieutenant governor, Perry assumed the governorship in December 2000 when then-Governor George W. Bush resigned to become president. Perry was re-elected to his second full term in 2006 with only 39% of the vote in an election featuring four major candidates considered to be one of the most bizarre in the state's history.

Texas is one of the most heavily Republican states in the country, and its voters tend to be strongly conservative. However, the continuing growth of Texas' black and Hispanic populations, as well as migration to the state from other parts of the country, including California, due to a burgeoning job market have added somewhat to the state's base of Democratic voters.

At the conclusion of his present term, Perry will have been in office for 10 years, which would make him the longest-serving governor in Texas history. Texas does not have term limits for its governors; thus, Perry is free to run for re-election in 2010 should he choose to do so, and would be 60 years old at that time. However, Perry's incumbency may work against him; voters may simply be tired of him and want a change – Rick Perry's approval ratings have remained generally low in recent years.

If Perry does not run for re-election, it is assumed that Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst will seek the position. Fact|date=August 2008 U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, who was rumored as a Perry opponent in 2006 but declined to run, is also considered a possible candidate. Ron Paul, member of US House of Representatives and 2008 Republican primary canidate, may also run.

For the Democrats, 2006 candidate Chris Bell may run again. Houston Mayor Bill White is another possibility, and many would consider him the strongest possible challenger. 2006 Independent candidate Kinky Friedman has expressed possible interest in running as a Democrat in 2010 as well. [ [http://www.star-telegram.com/business/story/211085.html star-telegram.com] ] The state's last Democratic governor, the late Ann Richards, was elected in 1990. She lost her bid for a second term in 1994 to George W. Bush.

Jim Douglas (Vermont)

If he is re-elected in 2008, Governor Jim Douglas may seek a fifth term in 2010. (The Governor of Vermont, unlike 48 states, only serves a two-year term.)

Douglas has been mentioned as a potential candidate for the U.S. Senate if Democrat Patrick Leahy retires. If Douglas leaves this seat open, it may become competitive.

Notes