Democrats expected to gain in governors races

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Nov 3, 2006 — WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democrats are expected to make significant gains in governors' races on Tuesday, including wins in several battleground states that could give the party an early edge in the 2008 White House race.

Republicans are defending 22 of the 36 governors' offices up for grabs on Tuesday, including nine where the Republican incumbent is not on the ballot. Democrats must defend 14 governorships but only one without an incumbent.

The lopsided political map, and a harsh national climate for Republicans, have Democrats primed to pick up at least the four governorships needed for a national majority and possibly several more. Republicans hold 28 governors' offices to 22 for Democrats.

"It's a Democratic year, and that is true for governors races as well," said Larry Sabato, a political scientist at the University of Virginia. "The Democrats had a great map to start with and they are taking advantage of it."

Four days before the election, Democrats are favorites in races for five open Republican offices in Ohio, New York, Massachusetts, Colorado and Arkansas.

more: http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=2626248


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