Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, shakes hands with supporters before speaking at his primary election victory party Tuesday, May 8, in Milwaukee. Democrats chose Barrett to challenge Republican Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker in a June recall election. (Morry Gash/AP)

Wisconsin recall: Why Democrats think Barrett can beat Walker this time

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Democrats in Wisconsin chose Tom Barrett, mayor of Milwaukee, to challenge Gov. Scott Walker (R) in a recall election next month. It's a reprise of their 2010 contest, but now Walker has a record to defend.

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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.