Governors’ Races Offer Republicans an Opening

Republicans in search of good news these days have had to rely on bad news for the White House: the latest setback for President Obama’s health care plan; his sagging poll numbers; the failure of the Obama economic stimulus plan so far to reverse the rise in unemployment.

But there is the potential for some tangible good news for Republicans just over the horizon: the 2010 elections for governor. For a variety of reasons, like the economic problems crushing governors across the country and term-limit laws forcing out otherwise formidable Democratic incumbents, Republicans have a good shot at making gains in what is shaping up as a free-for-all for 39 governors’ seats next year.

And 2010 is not just any election year: it is crucial given that this class of governors will be in charge as their states draw Congressional and state legislative districts as part of the reapportionment process after the next census. And given historical trends in midterm elections and the lopsided majority Democrats enjoy in Congress, the possibility that Republicans could make gains in House races next year could give the party a psychological boost at the halfway point of Mr. Obama’s term.

Read the full article at NYtimes.com