Important 2010 Midterm Gubernatorial Races

In Arizona, Democratic Gov. Janet Napolitano vacated her position when she took a position as Obama's Homeland Security secretary. Because Arizona voters don't elect a lieutenant governor, Republican Secretary of State Jan Brewer succeeded her. While Brewer plans to run again, she will face a primary fight, but early polling has her holding on at least through the primary. If she wins, expect the GOP to pour money into this race in an effort to hold on to the seat.

With Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger stepping down after two terms as state law requires, former eBay CEO Meg Whitman is the likely Republican candidate to run for the seat in 2010. Should she win a primary, she'll face a formidable opponent in either Sen. Dianne Feinstein or former California Gov. Jerry Brown. With Brown showing a slight lead in polling, Republican leadership definitely sees this as a winnable race.

The saga of disgraced former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich tore the state of Illinois apart and has severely tarnished the image of the state's Democratic Party. From the FBI investigation into Blagojevich's alleged pay-to-play scheme for Obama's vacated seat to his eventual appointment of Roland Burris and the fallout from that, Illinois voters are more than ready to elect a Republican. Blagojevich's successor, Gov. Pat Quinn, announced he will seek a full term in 2010, and will face Illinois Comptroller Dan Hines in the Democratic primary. A host of Republicans are seeking the seat, including state Sen. (and former gubernatorial candidate) Bill Brady, state Sen. Kirk Dillard and TV commentator Dan Proft.

In New York, Gov. David T. Paterson's mishandling of the state deficit and the bumbling manner in which he appointed Clinton's replacement (alienating popular potential appointees Caroline Kennedy and state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo -- as well as their supporters) have hurt him in the polls. As such, Cuomo has expressed interest in challenging Paterson in the Democratic primary, and on the Republican side, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, is likely considering a run against former Republican Congressman Rick Lazio, who has already announced his candidacy. Early polling show Republicans firmly in control of a match-up against Paterson. Against Cuomo, however, the picture is less certain.

Since Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm must step down according to Michigan law, the race for governor would typically be wide open. With the economy so thoroughly decimated in the Great Lake State, however, voters might be ready to make a switch in leadership. The only potential problem for the GOP could be a bruising primary, with nine potential candidates possibly seeking the nomination. The good news, however, is that with eight candidates running, the Democratic primary could be equally painful. Although very premature, Republican Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox has taken the early polling for both the GOP nomination and a potential showdown in the general election.

In Pennsylvania, Democratic Gov. Ed Rednell has served two full terms, and must now step down. Every eight years, Pennsylvania voters alternate parties in and out of the governor's office, and if the past is any indication of the future, it is time for the balance of power to shift to Republicans. Add in a voter pool still stinging from a Democratic-driven budget stalemate and a GOP victory is all but assured. Attorney General Tom Corbett and Congressman Jim Gerlach will seek the Republican nomination, while on the Democratic side, Auditor General Jack Wagner and former Congressman Joe Hoeffel have thrown their hats into a gubernatorial ring that could have a bruising primary. Early polling has Corbett favored to win it all.