GOP and the Midwest

[Keystone Phil]

Iowa is likely to go Republican with Jim Nussle. Blagojevich is in trouble in Illinois (especially if former Governor Edgar jumps in the race). Pawlenty should be alright in Minnesota. Doyle looks like he might have a very strong challenge. And though many doubted this would ever happen, Jennifer Granholm might have to fight to stay in office. So will the Midwest be GOP dominated when it comes to the Governor's offices in 2006?

[Speed of Sound]

I dont think its probable, but you certain cant rule it out.

[Keystone Phil]

I dont think its probable, but you certain cant rule it out.

What races make you think that it's not probable?

[Jake]

I'd expect to have at least Iowa and Minnesota by 2007, though you certainly can't rule out Illinois (Possible), Wisconsin (Unlikely), or Michigan (Unlikely).

[TheresNoMoney]

Doyle and Granholm will likely be re-elected. And as bad as Blagojevich has done, he will have a shot to be re-elected because the Republican party in Illinois is weak.

[Dave from Michigan]

michigan will stay democrat

[Speed of Sound]

I dont think its probable, but you certain cant rule it out.

What races make you think that it's not probable?

I think Granholm & Doyle's seats are relatively safe

[© tweed]

I think Doyle will hold on.  But I expect Blagojevich to lose, and Granholm to fight a tough race (although she probably will win in the end).

So that means 3 Dem governors in the midwest, I believe, with Strickland taking over in Ohio.

In an answer to this poll: no.  Too many things would have to happen that are unlikely.

[Dave from Michigan]

Granholm wll win most likely over 52% of the vote my guess 53%-46%

[Dave from Michigan]

Michigan will elect a republican in 2010

[© tweed]

Michigan will elect a republican in 2010

And you know this, how?

[Keystone Phil]

I can understand the opinions on Granholm but Doyle seems to be getting some serious opposition and if memory serves me right, I think he has some pretty low approval ratings.

[© tweed]

I can understand the opinions on Granholm but Doyle seems to be getting some serious opposition and if memory serves me right, I think he has some pretty low approval ratings.

Honestly I wasn't going based on polls, I went from my gut.  I don't remember seeing any Wisconsin polling.

[Ben Meyers]

Who's challenging Doyle?

[© tweed]

Who's challenging Doyle?

I'm not an expert on Wisconsin politics by any means, but I don't think there is a very prominent Republican officeholder in WI.  I mean, Doyle may lose on his own unpopularity, but I don't see an overly strong challenger emerging.

[Jake]

Scott Walker, a Milwaukee official I believe, and Mark Green, a congressman.

[Keystone Phil]

Who's challenging Doyle?

Congressman Mark Green and County Commissioner Scott Walker. MasterJedi knows more about the strengths of Walker but when it comes to Green, he's a very popular Congressman who is giving up a safe seat for this run. The WI GOP must see that they have a shot here.

[Moooooo]

GOP has a decent shot at knocking off Doyle and Granholm.  If Blagojevich gets a credible challenger he's done.  Iowa looks good for the GOP.  However, I wouldnt bet the farm on Pawlenty.  If AG Mike Hatch jumps in this race we could have a little battle on our hands (looks like he's going to run too). 

[nini2287]

We will probably flip Ohio and Iowa, but I do expect the GOP to pick up at least 1 between Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan (I'd say IL is the only one where I'd favor the GOP at this point).

[Sarnstrom]

WI - Doyle will be re-elected, unimpressively. But none of the less he will be re-elected. Unless State Rep. Spencer Black runs as an Independent, only then would I be worried.

MN - Pawlenty was safe, until the special session. He remains a favorite, but if Mike Hatch runs look out. Personally Pawlenty strikes as a smart ass.

MI - Granholm will be re-elected due to the state GOP not finding a good candidate. DeVos appears to be weak.

IA - I'm worried that Nussle will be elected here, it all depends on who the Democrats nominate.

ND and SD - Safe GOP seats

OH - This seat appears to be switching, thanks to Taft. Strickland should wipe the floor with Blackwell.

IL - Basically the same as Michigan, a weak incumbent but even weaker opponents. I'm assuming that Edgar won't run.

[RJ]

I'd say Ohio will flip but either Iowa(more likely) or Illinois will flip Republican. My bet is on the sides having the same number of seats as they do now.

Oh, wait---the Republicans will win every seat. Heaven forbid I should say anything bad about them.

[WalterMitty]

bussle will likely win in the ia, but he is pretty horrible.  nothing to brag about there.

blago will lose in the il.  what a failure he has been.  illinois recently had a great governor, but he is on trial now.

granholm will unfortunately win.  she isnt qualified to be a city council woman.  however, the michigan gop is moribund and unable to mount a credible challenge.

[Democratic Hawk]

Hopefully not

Dave

[ian]

Likely yes.  I hope Granholm doesn't lose her seat.

EDIT: My 1300th post.

[Flying Dog]

A credibly republican could beat granholm. There is only one I can think of, Candice Miller. But she isnt running so the GOP went to a rich, snotty, corporate executive, who outsourched jobs from michigan and is anti-labor union.

           Granholm 52-56%
           DeVos 48-44%