OnTheIssues.org - Governors on the Issues

State

Governor

Incumbent's Party

Former Governors / Candidates
(

2008 winner marked)

Sarah Palin
First elected 2006

Republican

Next election: 2010
Former Governors:
Frank Murkowski GOP Governor, 2002-2006
Tony Knowles Dem. Governor, 1995-2002

Bob Riley
First elected 2003;
re-elected 2006;
Term-limited, 2010

Republican

Next election: 2010
Former Governor:
Don Siegelman Dem. Governor, 1999-2003

Mike Beebe
First elected 2006

Democrat

Next election: 2010
Former 2006 challenger:
Asa Hutchinson (R)
Former Governors:
Mike Huckabee GOP Governor until 2006; Presidential candidate, 2008;
Author: Character Makes A Difference and From Hope to Higher Ground
Bill Clinton Dem. Governor, 1979-81 & 1983-92; President, 1993-2001;
Author: Between Hope and History and My Life
David Pryor Dem. Governor, 1975-79
Dale Bumpers Dem. Governor, 1971-75

Janet Napolitano
First elected 2002;
re-elected 2006;
Term-limited, 2010

Republican

Next election: 2010
Former Governor:
Jane Dee Hull GOP Governor, 1998-2002

Arnold Schwarzenegger
First elected 2003
(special recall election);
re-elected 2006

Click here for
2003 Recall Debate

Republican

Next election: 2010
2003 Recall challengers:
Cruz Bustamante Democratic challenger
Peter Camejo Green Challenger
Arianna Huffington Independent challenger;
Author: How to Overthrow the Government
Tom McClintock Republican Challenger
Former Governors:
Gray Davis Dem. Governor, 1998-2003, recalled 2003
Ronald Reagan GOP Governor, 1966-80

Bill Ritter
First elected 2006

Democrat

Next election: 2010
Former 2006 challenger:
Bob Beauprez (R)
Former Governors:
Bill Owens
GOP Governor until 2006

Jodi Rell
Acting Governor, 7/1/2004;
Elected 2006

Republican

Next election: 2010
Former Governor:
John Rowland GOP Governor, re-elected 2002, resigned July 2004

Ruth Ann Minner
First elected 2000;
re-elected 2004;
Term-limited, 2008

Democrat

2008 challengers:
Judge Bill Lee (R)

State Treasurer Jack Markell (D)
Mike Protack (I); Protack's issue stances from 2006 Senate race
Lt. Gov. John C. Carney, Jr. (D; lost 9/9 primary)
St. Sen. Charles L. Copeland (R; withdrew to run for Lt. Gov.)
Former Governor:
Tom Carper Dem. Governor, 1993-2000

Charlie Crist
First elected, 2006

Republican

Next election: 2010
Former gubernatorial challengers:
Janet Reno (D)
Jim Davis (D)
Former Governors:
Jeb Bush GOP governor, retired 2006;
Author: Profiles in Character
Bob Graham Dem. Governor, 1979-86

Sonny Perdue
First elected 2002;
re-elected 2006

Democrat

Next election: 2010
Former Governors:
Roy Barnes (Dem. Governor, 1999-2002)
Zell Miller (Dem. Governor, 1991-98)
Jimmy Carter (Dem. Governor, 1971-74)

Linda Lingle
First elected 2002;
re-elected 2006;
Term-limited, 2010

Republican

Next election: 2010
Former Governors: Benjamin Cayetano Dem. Governor, 1995-2002

Chet Culver
First elected 2006

Democrat

Next election: 2010
Former Governor:
Tom Vilsack Democrat, Re-elected 2002; retired 2006
2006 challenger: Jim Nussle (R)

Butch Otter
First elected 2006

Republican

Next election: 2010
Former Governor:
Dirk Kempthorne
Republican, Re-elected 2002; retired 2006
Former gubernatorial nominee:
Jerry Brady (D, 2006)

Rod Blagojevich
First elected 2002;
re-elected 2006;
term-limited, 2010

Democrat

Next election: 2010
Former Governor:
George Ryan GOP Governor, 1999-2002

Mitch Daniels
First Elected 2004;

Up for re-election, 2008

Republican

2008 challenger:
Former US Rep. Jill Long Thompson (D)
Lost May 6 2008 primary: Jim Schellinger (D)
Kathleen Petitjean (G)
Andy Horning (L)
Former Governors:
Joseph Kernan Dem. Governor, 2003
Evan Bayh Dem. Governor, 1989-96
Frank O'Bannon Dem. Governor, 1997-2003

Kathleen Sebelius
First elected 2002;
Re-elected, 2006;
Term-limited, 2010

Democrat

Next election: 2010
Former Governor: Bill Graves GOP Governor, 1995-2002

Steve Beshear
First Elected 2007

Democrat

Next election: 2011
Former Governors:
Ernie Fletcher GOP Gov., elected 2003; lost re-election 2007
Paul Patton Dem. Governor, 1995-2002
Wendell Ford Dem. Governor, 1971-74

Bobby Jindal
First elected, 2007

Democrat

Next election: 2011
Former Governors:
Kathleen Blanco Dem. Governor, 2004-2008
Mike Foster GOP Governor, 1996-2004)

Deval Patrick
First elected 2006

Click here for
2006 Democratic primary debate
Click here for
2006 Gubernatorial debate

Democrat

Next election 2010
2006 contenders:
Kerry Healey GOP Lt.Gov.
Christy Mihos Independent
Previous governors:
Mitt Romney GOP; elected 2002; retired Nov. 2006, to run for President;
Author: Turnaround
Previous contenders:
Sen. John Kerry Dem. Lt. Gov., 1982-84;
Author: A Call to Service and This Moment on Earth
Robert Reich Dem. primary challenger, 2002;
Author: Locked in the Cabinet
Jill Stein Green challenger, 2002

Martin O'Malley
First elected 2006

Democrat

Next election 2010
Former Governors:
Robert Ehrlich GOP governor, 2002-2006
Parris Glendening Dem. Governor, 1995-2002

John Baldacci
First elected 2002;
Re-elected 2006;
Term-limited 2010

Democrat

Next election 2010
Former Governor:
Angus King Independent Governor, 1995-2002

Jennifer Granholm
First elected 2002;
Re-elected 2006;
Term-limited 2010

Democrat

Next election 2010
Former Governors:
John Engler GOP Governor, 1991-2002

Tim Pawlenty
First elected 2002;
Re-elected 2006

Republican

Next election 2010
Former Governors:
Jesse Ventura Independent Governor, 1999-2002;
Author: Do I Stand Alone? and Ain't Got Time To Bleed

Matt Blunt
First elected 2004;
Not running for re-election 2008

Republican

2008 Challengers:

Attorney General Jay Nixon (D)
Rep. Kenny Hulshof (R; won Aug. 5 primary);
Hulshof's US House voting record
Andrew Finkenstadt (L)
Gregory Thompsonn (C)
State Treasurer Sarah Steelman (R; lost Aug. 5 primary)
Former Governors:
Bob Holden Dem. Governor, 2000-2004
Mel Carnahan Dem. Governor, 1997-2000
John Ashcroft GOP Governor, 1985-93
Kit Bond GOP Governor, 1971-77 & 1981-85

Haley Barbour
First elected 2003;
Re-elected 2007

Republican

Next election 2011.
Former Governor:
Ronnie Musgrove Dem. Governor, 2000-2003

Brian Schweitzer
First elected 2004;

Up for re-election 2008

Democrat

2008 Challengers:
St. Sen. Roy Brown (R)
Stan Jones (L);
Jones' issue stances from 2006 Senate race
Former Governor:
Judy Martz GOP Governor, 2000-2004

Mike Easley
First elected 2000;
re-elected 2004;
Term-limited 2008

Democrat

2008 Challengers:

Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue (D)
Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory (R)
Michael Munger (L)
Lost May 6 2008 primary:
Bill Graham (R)
Former NC Superior Court Justice Bob Orr (R)
State Senator Fred Smith (R)
State Treasurer Richard H. Moore (D)

John Hoeven
First elected 2000;
re-elected 2004;

Up for re-election 2008

Republican

2008 Challengers:
St. Sen. Tim Mathern (D)
Gregg Boyer (I)

Dave Heineman
Succeeded Gov. Johanns 2004;
Elected in 2006

Republican

Next election 2010
Former Governors:
Mike Johanns GOP Governor, 2000-2004; appointed to Bush's Cabinet, 2004
Ben Nelson Dem. Governor, 1991-99
Bob Kerrey Dem. Governor, 1983-87
Jim Exon Dem. Governor, 1971-79

John Lynch
First elected 2004;
re-elected 2006;

Up for re-election 2008

Democrat

2008 challenger:
St. Sen. Joe Kenney (R)
Former Governors:
Craig Benson (GOP Governor, 2002-2004)
Jeanne Shaheen (Dem. Governor, 1997-2002)
Judd Gregg (GOP Governor, 1989-92)

Jon Corzine
First elected Nov. 2005

Democrat

Next election 2009.
Former Governors:
Richard Codey (Acting Governor 2004-2005)
James McGreevey (Dem. Governor, 2002-2004; resigned Aug. 2004)
Donald DiFrancesco (GOP Governor, 2001-2002)
Thomas Kean (GOP Governor, 1982-1990)
Christie Todd Whitman (GOP Governor, 1994-2001)

Bill Richardson
First elected 2002;
re-elected 2006;
ran for president, 2007;
(withdrew Jan. 2008);
Author: Between Worlds
and Leading By Example

Democrat

Next election 2010
Former Governor:
Gary Johnson (GOP governor, 1995-2002)

Jim Gibbons
First elected 2006

Republican

Next election 2010
Former Governors:
Kenny Guinn GOP governor, re-elected 2002
Richard Bryan (Dem. Governor, 1983-89)

David Paterson
Elected Lt. Gov. 2006; became Governor March 2008.

Democrat

Next election 2010
Former Governors:
Eliot Spitzer
Resigned in scandal, March 2008.
George Pataki GOP governor, re-elected 2002
Mario Cuomo Dem. Governor, 1982-94;
Author: Reason To Believe

Ted Strickland
First elected 2006

Democrat

Next election 2010
Former Governors:
Bob Taft (GOP Governor, 1999-2006)
George Voinovich (GOP Governor, 1991-98)
Mike DeWine (Dem. Lt. Governor, 1991-95)
Richard Celeste (Dem. Governor, 1983-91)

Brad Henry
First elected 2002;
Re-elected 2006

Democrat

Next election 2010
2006 challenger: Ernest Istook (R)
Former Governor:
Frank Keating (GOP Governor, 1995-2002)

Ted Kulongoski
First elected 2002;
Re-elected 2006

Democrat

Next election 2010
Former Governors:
Mark Hatfield (GOP Governor, 1959-66)
John Kitzhaber (Dem. Governor, 1995-2002)

Edward Rendell
First elected 2002;
Re-elected 2006

Democrat

Next election 2010
Former Governors:
Tom Ridge (GOP Governor, 1995-2001)
Mark Schweiker (GOP Governor, 2001-02)

Don Carcieri
First elected 2002;
Re-elected 2006

Republican

Next election 2010
Former Governors:
Lincoln Almond (GOP Governor, 1995-2002)
John Chaffee (GOP Governor, 1963-66)

Mark Sanford
First elected 2002;
Re-elected 2006

Republican

Next election 2010
Former Governors:
Jim Hodges (Dem. Governor, 1999-2002)
Ernest Hollings (Dem. Governor, 1959-63)

Mike Rounds
First elected 2002;
Re-elected 2006;
Term-limited 2010

Republican

Next election 2010
Former Governor:
Bill Janklow (GOP Governor, 1979-1986, 1995-2002)

Phil Bredesen
First elected 2002;
Re-elected 2006;
Term-limited 2010

Democrat

Next election 2010
Former Governors:
Don Sundquist (GOP Governor, 1995-2002)
Lamar Alexander (GOP Governor, 1979-87)

Rick Perry
Succeeded Gov. Bush, 2001;
Re-elected 2002;
Re-elected 2006

Republican

Next election 2010
2006 challenger:
Chris Bell (D)
Former Governor:
George W. Bush GOP Governor, 1994-2000, elected President, 2000

Jon Huntsman
First elected 2004;

Up for re-election 2008

Republican

2008 challengers:
Chuck Smith (R)
Monty Nafoosi (D)
Former Governors:
Olene Walker (GOP Governor, 2003-2004)
Mike Leavitt (GOP Governor, 1997-2003; appointed to EPA)

James Douglas
Elected 2002;
re-elected 2004;
re-elected 2006;

Up for re-election 2008

Republican

2008 challenger:
St. Sen. John Campbell (D)
Anthony Pollina (Pr)
Former Governor:
Howard Dean Dem. Governor, 1991-2002; ran for President, 2004;
Author: Winning Back America

Tim Kaine
First elected 2005;
Term-limited 2009

Democrat

Next election 2009
Former Governors:
Mark Warner (Dem. Governor, 2001-2005)
Jim Gilmore (GOP Governor, 1998-2001)
George Allen (GOP Governor, 1994-97)
Chuck Robb (Dem. Governor, 1982-85)

Christine Gregoire
First elected 2004;

Up for re-election 2008

Democrat

2008 challengers:
Dino Rossi (R)
John Aiken, Jr. (R)
Javier Lopez (R)
Christopher Tudor (I)
Ruth Bennett (L; withdrew, spring 2008)
Former Governors:
Gary Locke (Dem. Governor, retired 2004)

Jim Doyle
First elected 2002;
Re-elected 2006

Democrat

Next election 2010
2006 challenger: Mark Green (R)
Former Governors:
Scott McCallum (GOP Governor, 2001-02)
Tommy Thompson (GOP Governor, 1987-2000; ran for President, 2007)

Joe Manchin
First elected 2004;

Up for re-election 2008

Democrat

2008 challengers:
Former State Sen. Russ Weeks (R)
State Del. Mel Kessler (D; lost May 13 primary)
Former Governors:
Bob Wise (Dem. Governor, 2000-2004)
Jay Rockefeller (Dem. Governor, 1976-84)

Dave Freudenthal
First elected 2002;
Re-elected 2006

Democrat

Next election 2010
Former Governor:
Jim Geringer (GOP Governor, 1995-2002)