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Ten races worth watching
Tue Nov 3, 2009 /
Politics
Tuesday's off-year election might not have the high stakes of the 2008 presidential election, but there are several significant races worth watching:
New York's 23rd Congressional District Why it matters: A conservative backlash against a moderate Republican candidate propelled this race into national headlines as proof of an ongoing family feud between the far right and moderates for control of the party. What's the story?: Local Republican leaders picked Dede Scozzafava because of her appeal to centrist Republicans, independents and even some Democrats. But it sparked a conservative revolt, and Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman outpolled Scozzafava, forcing her to withdraw. Scozzafava has since endorsed Democrat Bill Owens. New York district bares fight for GOP's soul Biden stumps for Owens, takes shot at Palin WWNY: Biden asks Republicans to cross over Virginia governor Why it matters: This race is seen as an early referendum on voters' attitudes toward President Obama and his policies and an opportunity for Republicans to turn back recent Democratic gains. What's the story?: Obama was the first Democrat to win a presidential contest in Virginia since the 1960s, and the last two governors have been Democrats. Polls show Republican Bob McDonnell with a double-digit lead. Governors' races serve as early test for Obama, Democratic control Democrat predicts low turnout in Virginia News Channel 8: GOP candidates talk of 'sweep' in Virginia New Jersey governor Why it matters: A moderate third-party candidate could split the Republican vote and give an unpopular Democratic incumbent a second term. What's the story?: Gov. Jon Corzine trailed Republican challenger Chris Christie during the summer, but recent polls show them in a dead heat. Growing support for independent Chris Daggett might be siphoning votes away from Christie. Polls suggest dead heat in N.J. governor race NorthJersey.com: GOP's best chance in a long time, Christie says Same-sex marriage vote in Maine Why it matters: Maine could be sixth state to allow same-sex marriage if voters uphold legislation signed earlier this year. What's the story?: When Gov. John Baldacci signed the legislation on May 6, he did so knowing there was a possibility that voters could overturn it. In September, opposition groups delivered the necessary signatures to get a vote. The California Supreme Court allowed same-sex marriage in 2008, but six months later voters approved a proposition to amend the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage. Same-sex marriage battle moves to Maine WMTW: School counselor under fire for opposing same-sex marriage Medical marijuana in Maine Why it matters: It's a test of expanding the use of medical marijuana. What's the story?: Voters in Maine, one of 14 states to allow the use of medical marijuana, will decide whether to expand the list of conditions that could be treated with medical marijuana and make it easier to expand the list further in the future. It also would create state-licensed dispensaries. Bangor Daily News: Turnout expected to be larger than usual for off-year elections Civil unions in Washington state Why it matters: Washington decides whether to edge closer to same-sex marriage. What's the story?: Earlier this year, what is called Washington's "everything but marriage" bill was signed into law and gave registered domestic partners additional state-granted rights currently given only to married couples. In a vote similar to Maine's, Washington will decide whether to overturn the legislation. Share election day images from your town New York mayor Why it matters: After getting the city's constitution changed to lift a two-term limit, Mayor Michael Bloomberg seeks a third term. What's the story?: Bloomberg leads Democratic City Comptroller Bill Thompson by double digits in most surveys, although a Quinnipiac University poll released Monday shows the lead fell by 6 percentage points in a week to 12 points. Bloomberg has outspent his rival in TV ads, $33 million to $2.66 million. Mayoral races could change political landscape Poll: Bloomberg lead down to 12 points NY1: Bloomberg spending $35,000 per hour on campaign NY1: Mayoral candidates' October 13 debate Boston, Massachusetts, mayor Why it matters: Democratic incumbent Thomas Menino seeks to become the Massachusetts city's longest-serving mayor. What's the story?: Menino enjoys a 20-point lead in polls over City Councilman Michael Flaherty in his bid for a record fifth term, but his previous races have been either overwhelming victories, or he has run unopposed. Boston.com: Coverage of mayoral race Atlanta, Georgia, mayor Why it matters: Thirty-five years of African-American control of the mayor's office could end in Georgia's capital city. What's the story?: White City Councilwoman Mary Norwood is the front-runner in this nonpartisan race between her and chief competitors City Council President Lisa Borders and former state lawmaker Kasim Reed. Incumbent Shirley Franklin, limited to two terms, recently said she is voting for Reed. Watch how Atlanta's mayor isn't backing the front-runner WSB: Mayoral candidates' debate Houston, Texas, mayor Why it matters: Thenation's fourth-largest city could elect its first openly gay mayor. What's the story?: City Controller Annise Parker, who has been elected six times to citywide posts, has an even chance of winning, according to polls. Among her competitors are City Councilman Peter Brown and City Attorney Gene Locke. Watch how a Texas candidate could make historyHouston Chronicle: Scouting report on mayoral raceCNN's Paul Steinhauser, Emily Sherman, Ed Hornick, Robert Yoon and John Helton contributed to this report.
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