The Governors
At least nine of the 37 gubernatorial races next year are likely to see tough Republican primary battles. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer's proposed tax hike to help the state cope with the economic downturn has earned her the ire of the antitax group Club for Growth. So far, two conservative challengers have announced their candidacy, and a third, the state treasurer, is mulling a run. In California, former eBay CEO Meg Whitman is running even in the latest field poll with conservative upstart Tom Campbell. And if former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani decides to run, he'll probably have to go toe to toe with conservative darling and former senatorial candidate (against Hillary Clinton) Rick Lazio — and as it proved in the battle for the 23rd district this year, the New York Conservative Party can wreak lots of damage when it's properly motivated.