The Governors
Thirty-seven governors will be up for re-election in 2010, and several of those seats could have a big impact on laying groundwork in swing states for the 2012 election. In Ohio, Democrat Ted Strickland is polling even with his likely Republican challenger, former Representative John Kasich, with much of the outcome likely to hinge on the state's economy next year. Similarly, early polls in Pennsylvania show that Republican state attorney general Tom Corbett is the front runner to replace Democratic Governor Ed Rendell, who is term-limited. The open seats of a number of Obama appointees are also at risk for Democrats. In Kansas, where Kathleen Sebelius was governor until joining Obama's Cabinet, Democrats face a steep challenge from popular Republican Senator Sam Brownback. In Arizona, a Republican, Jan Brewer, was appointed to replace Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, and she is expected to seek a full term.