A second statehouse joins Rhode Island in the Democratic takeover category.  After a suspicious poll from Rasmussen gave Republican Lt. Governor Brian Dubie a huge 20-point lead in Vermont back in June, he earned the projected nod to succeed his boss, retiring GOP Governor Jim Douglas.  However, Rasmussen's most recent attempt to gauge the race shows an enormous shift in Dubie's support.  He now trails Democratic nominee Peter Shumlin by a more-reasonable 3 points.  While this is still either man's race, it is now projected as a Weak DEM Gain.  The updated statehouse tally stands at 31 Republicans and 19 Democrats.



Filed under:  Ratings changes  Rhode Island  RI Governor  Vermont  VT Governor 

In Massachusetts, a three-way race for governor is set.  Democratic incumbent Deval Patrick, Republican Charlie Baker and Independent Tim Cahill will do battle.  Down-ballot, there is one House district rated as mildly competitive this year.  In the Bay State, that alone is noteworthy.  Democrat Bill Delahunt's decision to forego another term leaves two primary nominating battles worth watching.  On the Democratic side, Bill Keating and Robert O'Leary are doing battle while four folks are on the Republican primary ballot.  I could find no polling on the race, so only time will tell which two candidates emerge.

Rhode Island's gubernatorial race represents the best opportunity for an independent to gain a statehouse.  Former Republican Senator Lincoln Chafee leads a close three-way race.  His two partisan opponents will be decided today.  Republican John Robitaille led Victor Moffitt by a large margin in a July poll.  On the Democratic side, State Treasurer Frank Caprio holds the advantage over State Attorney General Patrick Lynch - at least according to polls taken very early in the cycle.

You can watch the election returns here as they come in this evening.



Filed under:  Maryland  MD Governor  Massachusetts  Massachusetts  MA House  Rhode Island  RI Governor 

Governor:  Trying to keep an open governorship in Rhode Island in Republican hands is a monstrous task, one where failure is practically a foregone conclusion.  The Democratic candidate should cruise to an easy takeover, right?  Not exactly.  Remember "then-RINO" Lincoln Chafee?  Well, he's not a RINO anymore - he's an independent, he's leading in the polls in this race, and Election Projection gives him the best chance to win.  This race's projection starts out as a Weak IND Gain, the only one you'll find in all the 2010 projections on this website.  By the way, if you've been wondering why the total projected Democratic and Republican governors adds up to just 49, this is why.  After November, it should be 49 + Lincoln Chafee, the Independent.

The Rhode Island state page has more interesting stuff for your perusal.

Next stop:  South Carolina



Filed under:  Rhode Island  RI Governor