United States gubernatorial elections, 2007

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This article or section contains information about an upcoming or ongoing election in the United States. Content may change dramatically as the election approaches and unfolds.

Seats up for election. Republican incumbents are red and the Democratic incumbent is blue. States without a seat up for reelection are gray.

The U.S. gubernatorial elections of 2007, of which there are three, will be held in November 2007. Republicans hold two of the seats, while a Democrat holds the third. With the exception of Louisiana, these elections will form part of the 2007 U.S. general election.

[edit] Parties

Going into the 2007 Gubernatorial elections, the Democratic Party holds 28 Governor's seats, while the Republican Party holds 22 Governor's seats. With filing over in Kentucky, and Mississippi, and still open in Louisiana, Democratic and Republican candidates have filed in all 3 states, and the Libertarian Party has a candidate filed in Louisiana.

[edit] Election Summaries

[edit] Retiring Democrat

[edit] Kathleen Blanco (Louisiana)

Main article: Louisiana gubernatorial election, 2007

Governor Kathleen Blanco has announced on March 20, 2007, that she will not seek a second term ^[1]. Blanco currently has an approval rating of 39%, thought to be the primary reason behind her decision not to run. She has taken flak for the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the government's ill-preparedness to deal with casualties, and 63% of Louisianans disapprove of her.

This does not change plans for Blanco's 2003 opponent Bobby Jindal, a U.S. Representative from Louisiana's 1st congressional district since 2005, who is running on the Republican side.^[2]

The Cook Political Report indicates that former U.S. Senator John Breaux, arguably the most popular Democratic politician in Louisiana, may enter the race. [1] However it has been said that Breaux would not meet the residency requirements as he is registered to vote and lists his primary address in Maryland ^[3]. If Breaux does not run, Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu has said he will consider running. Also, former Attorney General Richard Ieyoub and U.S. Rep. Chris John are considering running if Breaux rules out a run.

[edit] Republican Incumbents

[edit] Ernie Fletcher (Kentucky)

Main article: Kentucky gubernatorial election, 2007

Governor Ernie Fletcher is running for reelection for a second term. He is currently very unpopular with an approval rating of 32%. Also, Fletcher's governorship has been embroiled in scandal. He is being challenged by Anne Northup, a former U.S. Representative who served Kentucky's 3rd congressional district from 1997-2007, as well as Paducah businessman Billy Harper in the primary. Underscoring Fletcher's unpopularity, Lieutenant Governor Steve Pence has chosen not to run for reelection on the Fletcher ticket and has publicly endorsed Northup.^[4] In addition, Northup has been endorsed by U.S. Senator Jim Bunning.^[5] A large number of Democrats have filed to face the winner of the Republican primary including State Treasurer Jonathan Miller, former Lt. Governor Steve Beshear, former Lt. Governor Steve Henry, and Kentucky House of Representatives Speaker Jody Richards.

[edit] Haley Barbour (Mississippi)

Main article: Mississippi gubernatorial election, 2007

Governor Haley Barbour has announced he is running for a second term. Barbour is currently very popular, with a 59% approval rating, and will only face a token primary challenge. Five Democratic candidates have filed to face him in the general election including former Ashland, Mississippi mayor and former St. Senator, Bill Renick.

[edit] List of Elections

[edit] References

1. ^ Louisiana's Governor Won't Seek Re-election
2. ^ Moller, Jan. "Re-elected Jindal turns to governor's race option." New Orleans Times-Picayune 9 November 2006, late ed.: A15. Available at http://www.nola.com/news/t-p/capital/index.ssf?/base/news-4/1163058560313000.xml&coll=1
3. ^ Breaux's residency questioned amid rumors of possible candidacy
4. ^ "Pence endorses Northup for governor", The Courier-Journal, 2-26-07.
5. ^ Collins, Michael. "Bunning backs Northup for gov", Kentucky Post, 1-22-2007.

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