Republicans Hoping for a Huge Day in Nationwide Elections
(Washington, DC) -- Polls are opening up across the nation this morning, with two governorships and a batch of big city mayorships being decided. But the most-watched race is in upstate New York, where the GOP candidate dropped out and endorsed her Democratic opponent. State Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava had hoped to win the 23rd Congressional District vacated when Republican John McHugh was appointed President Obama's Secretary of the Army. Instead, prominent Republicans such as former vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty threw their weight behind Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman. He faces Democrat Bill Owens in what's nonetheless seen as a test of conservative firepower within the GOP.
Republicans could also end the day with two more governors' mansions painted red. In New Jersey, Democratic Governor Jon Corzine is battling for his job against Republican Chris Christie. Democrats are hoping independent candidate Chris Daggett pulls enough votes from Christie to help Corzine achieve re-election. Meantime, Republican Robert McDonnell holds a double-digit lead in polls against Democrat Creigh Deeds in Virginia's open gubernatorial contest. Losing both gubernatorial races would be a blow to President Obama less than a year into his term.
New York City's Michael Bloomberg is expected to win a fourth term running as an Independent and a Republican. Atlanta could elect its first white mayor since 1973 if front-runner Mary Norwood wins. Voters in Houston, Boston, Pittsburgh and Detroit will also be choosing city chiefs. Folks in Breckenridge, Colorado will decide whether to legalize recreational marijuana along with paraphernalia suck as pipes and bongs. And the electorate in Maine's being asked to overturn legalized gay marriage.
(Copyright © 2009 Metro Networks Communications Inc., A Westwood One Company) 11/3/09 10:25AM
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