Democrat Walter Dalton (l.) and Republican Pat McCrory prepare for a televised gubernatorial debate at the University of North Carolina in Research Triangle Park, N.C., on Oct. 3. (Gerry Broome/AP)

Can Republicans increase their ranks of governors? Four races to watch.

2:09 pm ET -

With only 11 races for governor this year, there’s no big sea change to anticipate. With Republicans hoping to add to the 29 states under their banner, the four races to watch are in Washington, New Hampshire, Montana, and North Carolina.

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Recount may loom amid confusion in Connecticut governor race

The secretary of state declared Democrat Dan Malloy the winner Wednesday in the Connecticut governor race, before the release of official numbers. Republican Tom Foley says his own tally puts him ahead.
Governor election results: At least 10 states flip Republican

The issues that mattered most to voters, including sluggish economic growth and the high unemployment rate, figured prominently in the governor election results.
How Meg Whitman dropped 10 points behind Jerry Brown

Meg Whitman, the Republican nominee for California governor, has been hurt by an undocumented housekeeper scandal, political inexperience, and perhaps even her own attack ads.
Meg Whitman declines Jerry Brown challenge to stop negative ads

At a women's conference, moderator Matt Lauer challenges California's gubernatorial candidates to stop negative ads. Jerry Brown said he would if Meg Whitman did. Whitman skirted the issue.
Did final Meg Whitman-Jerry Brown debate change anything?

Tuesday's California gubernatorial debate between Meg Whitman and Jerry Brown was the last before the election, making it crucial for both candidates.
Meg Whitman vs. Jerry Brown: Can Tom Brokaw steer them toward substance?

Meg Whitman and Jerry Brown, candidates for California governor, will debate for the final time Tuesday, with Tom Brokaw moderating. The candidates have spent a lot of time dwelling on scandal recently.
How New York would look if Carl Paladino made his budget cuts

New York Republican gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino says he expects to remove $14 billion from the state budget over the next two years if elected. Observers say such ambitious plans are hard to deliver.
Will Meg Whitman's illegal maid hurt her with California Latinos?

Latinos are 19 percent of California voters. The flap over Nicky Diaz Santillan, GOP gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman's former housekeeper, could make a difference in how they vote.
Meg Whitman and the perils of employing illegal help: six memorable cases

Meg Whitman, California GOP gubernatorial candidate, is alleged to have employed a housekeeper from 2000 to 2009 even though she knew the woman was in the US illegally. It's a political bombshell for Ms. Whitman. The politics of household employment and immigration have proved tricky before. Here are six prominent cases, plus the allegations against Whitman.
Debate: Jerry Brown, Meg Whitman show style, but light on solutions

California gubernatorial candidates Jerry Brown (D) and Meg Whitman (R) both claimed victory after Tuesday night's debate.
Pitfalls for Meg Whitman and Jerry Brown to avoid in first debate

Jerry Brown has 40 political debates under his belt, but Tuesday night is Meg Whitman's first. Brown must work not to come off 'prickly' in the first California governor's race debate, analysts say, while Whitman must establish herself.
Why GOP struggles to make inroads with California Hispanics

A new poll shows that Republican candidates for governor and Senate in California are still far behind their Democratic opponents among Hispanic voters.
Why Whitman and Brown are deadlocked in California governor's race

The latest poll of the California governor's race shows Republican Meg Whitman and Democrat Jerry Brown tied at 41 percent. Many voters remain undecided, so upcoming debates will be crucial.
To fend off Carl Paladino in New York, Andrew Cuomo gets angry

A recent poll showed Republican Carl Paladino narrowing the gap on Democrat Andrew Cuomo in the New York gubernatorial race. Cuomo has responded by showing his angry side.
Florida surprise: How a Democrat could be elected governor

In an election cycle tilted toward Republicans, Alex Sink, the Democratic nominee for governor in Florida, is holding on to a modest edge in the polls.
How Bill Clinton factors in California governor race

Former President Bill Clinton found himself tossed between Jerry Brown and Meg Whitman this week. Clinton endorsed Brown, but how the candidates respond could have more of an impact.
Who is Carl Paladino?

Carl Paladino won the GOP gubernatorial primary in New York. Some of his proposals have already raised eyebrows, and he says he’s not afraid to be confrontational.
The most important governor's race? Why top politicians are flocking to Ohio.

The party that controls the Ohio governor's mansion can have an impact on presidential elections, so the race is seeing a jolt of high-profile endorsements as the candidates try to place blame over the state's job losses.
Jan Brewer debate gaffe: How badly will it hurt her chances?

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer stumbled badly at the beginning of a gubernatorial debate Wednesday. But Brewer is a Republican in a conservative state, so the damage may be limited.
Meg Whitman spends big in California but still trails Brown

Former eBay CEO Meg Whitman has spent $104 million on her California gubernatorial bid but trails Jerry Brown by three points. Will she be the next wealthy politician to fail at the polls?
In governor's race, will Arizona immigration law be decisive?

The governor's race will pit the governor who signed the Arizona immigration law, Jan Brewer, against the attorney general, one of its main opponents.
Governors' races 101: What's at stake outside Washington in 2010 election

Governors' races are happening in 37 states in the 2010 election. The candidates focus on different issues depending on their states, but one stands out – state budget deficits.
Winner declared in close GOP runoff for Georgia governor

Former US Rep. Nathan Deal is the GOP nominee for Georgia governor, after 'mama grizzly' Karen Handel concedes. Republican voter turnout was high, indicating an invigorated GOP base.
Georgia governor primary: Has Sarah Palin left GOP in disarray?

Sarah Palin endorsed Karen Handel in Tuesday's runoff in the Republican primary for Georgia governor. Palin and her fellow 'mama grizzly' have taken aim at the state's GOP establishment.
Tennessee GOP primary: Bill Haslam's win fits Election 2010 trends

Bill Haslam won almost 48 percent of the vote in the Tennessee GOP primary for governor. Like some other Republican moderates, he prevailed over 'tea party' candidates and is self-funded.