Governors' Races are 2010's Main Event, Strategists Say

Rory Reid

/ AP

LAS VEGAS - Democrats are expected to suffer losses this November because of an enthusiasm gap between Democratic and Republican voters. But the biggest consequences won't be in the Senate or the House, some are saying, but in the gubernatorial races.

The 37 governors' seats up for grabs "are the main event this year," Nathan Daschle, executive director of the Democratic Governors Association, said today at Netroots Nation, the year's largest liberal conference. On top of that, they are the most important governors' races in a generation, he said.

What happens in those 37 races will impact redistricting set to take place across the country as a result of the 2010 census. In a number of those 37 states, governors have significant power in shaping the plan for redistricting.

"Even if we hold the House by five, 10, 15 votes," Democratic strategist Harold Ickes said, "[Republicans] think if they elect enough governors they can take the House of Representatives away from us by way of redistricting."

Governors' seats are up for grabs in large states like California, Texas and Florida.

"If you take states that big and start messing with demographic borders, you could change the state of politics for a decade," said Michael Lux, founder of the blog OpenLeft.com.

On top of that, the results of the gubernatorial races could have a serious impact on President Obama's chances for re-election in 2012; there's no question Republican governors in swing states will make it harder for the president's re-election campaign more challenging.

With so much at stake, Republican establishment is investing heavily in state and local races that impact redistricting.

Facing an uphill challenge, the Democrats need to close the enthusiasm gap, the strategists said, and focus on the difference between the Democratic and Republican candidates. The two parties have two very different visions, Daschle said, and "one is going to continue us on a path forward."

In Nevada, outgoing governor Jim Gibbons "should be the poster child for failed leadership," said Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rory Reid, son of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. And Reid's opponent, former state attorney general and federal Judge Brian Sandoval, is "Gibbons in a nicer suit," Reid said.

Republican gubernatorial candidates are also strategically avoiding media scrutiny Reid said.

"There's a strategy across the country for the candidate to appear on Fox News every once in a while and say little else," he said. "My opponent, I'm getting a little worried about him. I haven't seen him since the primary."

He added, "We need a debate. Make them defend their positions."

More Hotsheet Coverage from Netroots Nation:

Labor Leader: GOP Has Declared War on Latinos
In 2010, Will Democrats Offer More Than Anti-Tea Party?
Brian Schweitzer: Sometimes Lucky is Better than Good
Are Liberals Too Concerned with Being "Colorblind?"

[tanarg]

I certainly think Deval Patrick in Massachusetts deserves to be whacked out of office. That will be a happy day.

[sunday42]

The Governors of the states mean nothing. The states have no rights. All rights granted to the states under the constitution have been taken away buy the federal government.

[texasborndemo]

There are plenty of smart demos in Texas not any smart repigs,having Perry any longer would be like having "Boy George" back as president what a joke,he' more crooked than the county road I live on.He lives high on cotton on taxpayers money in fancy houses fit for a king,having $44,000 lawn service,give me a break,Hello Gov.White

[rightbehind]

People would have to be nuts to ever allow republicans back in control. New Jersey is already over that affair but they're stuck with him for another 5 years. They have found their jobs are being turned into ****.

[curse914]

Chris Christie appears to be doing a descent job; now if he could shed the religious baggage, he would be a true (r)epublican.

[RobAla]

Real Clear political polls indicate that there may be as few as 13 Democrat governors left after the 2010 election. This DCemocrat President and Congress have extremely terrible coat tails.

[retiredgustav]

Here in Texas republican rick perry and his cronies have us in a $21 Bilion dollar hole and he won't even talk about it. I hope there are enough smart Texas voter who know this guy has got to go.

[book_of_wally]

Your out of luck there arent any smart Texans.

[texasborndemo]

wally,there are plenty of smart demos in Texas,dumb repigs who want Perry back in office are insane,be like putting "Boy George"back as President,lmao.Perry's a crook onlypeople like you can't see it,all the programs he cut,raising taxes,with a retreat with 7 ba. $44.000 lawn service?Give me a break...Hello Gov.White