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The Executive Summary: Delaware state executive position sits vacant for two years

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October 17, 2013

Edited by Greg Janetka

This edition of The Executive Summary highlights a new feature on Ballotpedia tracking vacancies in state executive positions. We also update you on state executives who have left office this year prior to the end of their term, the most recent being Utah Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell, whose replacement was sworn in yesterday. Meanwhile, there’s plenty of 2013/2014 election news to get to, and make sure to put on your thinking cap in preparation for some gubernatorial trivia.

Vacancy Tracker

See also State executive official vacancies

State executive officeholders are changing all the time. Sometimes irregular office changes, those caused by a resignation, retirement, or other event, can be a long process leaving some offices vacant for days, months, or even years.

The longest running vacancy is a seat on the Delaware Public Service Commission. The seat remains vacant following Arnetta McRae's departure in October 2011.[1] The commission is currently served by four part time commissioners. The Governor of Delaware has not nominated anyone for the position, and state law requires that the open position be filled by someone who lives in the City of Wilmington. Department of state employee Matthew R. Hartigan assured that to date, the lack of a fifth commissioner has not caused any issues regarding Commission business.[2]

We are currently tracking the following 6 vacancies:

Current state executive vacancies
Office Former officeholder Date left office Days office vacant Reason for vacancy
Delaware Public Service Commission Arnetta McRae October 2011 748 Named CEO of the American Association of Blacks in Energy
Lieutenant Governor of Florida Jennifer Carroll (R) March 13, 2013 231 Asked to resign by governor
Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts Tim Murray (D) June 2, 2013 139 Resigned to lead the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce
New Mexico Public Education Commission M. Andrew Garrison (D) December 2012 321 Unclear
New Mexico Public Education Commission Carla Lopez December 2012 321 Unclear
South Carolina Public Service Commission David Wright May 31, 2013 139 Resigned to return to private sector

We are also tracking interim officeholders. In most cases, these officeholders ascend to fill a vacancy left due to an irregular office change. While it varies from state to state, these replacements may serve in the position until either a permanent officeholder is named or elected, or until the state legislature or governor confirms the interim officeholder as the permanent officeholder.

We are currently tracking the following four interim officeholders:

Current interim state executive officeholders
Office Interim officeholder Date assumed office
Florida Commissioner of Education Pam Stewart September 1, 2013
Mississippi Superintendent of Education Lynn J. House July 1, 2012
Nebraska Commissioner of Education Scott Swisher July 2013
Attorney General of New Jersey John Hoffman June 10, 2013

Irregular office changes

Unique among the areas covered by Ballotpedia, the world of state executive officials includes a fair amount of turnover which often flies under the radar. If a high-profile officeholder, such as a governor or secretary of state, leaves office before the expiration of their term the story makes all the headlines. Down ballot offices, however, which are often stepping-stones for ambitious politicians or homes for lifelong bureaucrats, see changes that are all but ignored. For the purpose of this project we define an irregular office change to be when an elected or appointed official does not complete the full term of office. Some appointed officials serve an indefinite term where they are either not subject to reappointment or "serve at the pleasure of the governor." These have been included in the numbers below.

As of October 17, 2013, Ballotpedia has identified 42 irregular office changes in 26 states. Iowa has had the most with four changes. There have been 8 irregular changes in top ballot offices and 34 in down ballot offices.

All of the 13 main positions we cover, with the exception of Governor, have included at least 1 irregular office change in 2013. The positions that have seen the most irregular changes so far this year include Public Service Commissioner (7), Labor Commissioner (6), Superintendent of Schools (6), Natural Resources Commissioner (5) and Lieutenant Governor (4).

For complete information see State executive official irregular office changes and State executive official irregular office changes, 2013

The reasons for state executive official changes in 2013 are as follows:

  • 13 due to appointment to new position/government post
  • 7 due to accepting new private sector job
  • 7 due to retirement/family reasons
  • 6 due to scandal/asked to resign
  • 5 due to reasons unclear
  • 1 due to denied reappointment
  • 1 resigned after new law changed the office
  • 1 resigned to campaign for different office
  • 1 resigned to spend time with family

The partisan breakdown for vacancies created in 2013 is as follows:

Happenings

Cuccinelli’s "anti-women agenda" vs. McAuliffe’s GreenTech baggage

Virginia Attorney General and 2013 Republican nominee for governor Ken Cuccinelli's record on women's issues, including his sponsorship of several pro-life/anti-abortion legislative measures while serving in the state senate, was a primary target for attacks by Democrats and other supporters of his opponent, Terry McAuliffe, in the 2013 gubernatorial race. Throughout the election season, McAuliffe's campaign invoked Cuccinelli's past efforts on laws to restrict abortion and defund planned parenthood, as well as his association with the Republican National Coalition for Life, which endorsed his successful candidacy for attorney general in 2009, in order to alienate some female and liberal voters. Cuccinelli's campaign made earnest efforts to debunk accusations from opponents that, if elected, the Republican nominee would impose his "anti-women agenda" on the governorship. For example, they ran an ad spot on October 1 before the general election that featured Tichi Pickney Eppes, an African-American woman and Democratic school board member, expressing her support for Cuccinelli as the next governor and calling the opposition's claims that he possessed an anti-women agenda "ridiculous."[3][4] Already trailing McAuliffe in polls and fundraising in the fall of 2013, a September 30 report from NBC news about Cuccinelli's anti-abortion stance accelerated his campaign's downward spiral. The report offered a blunt excerpt from Cuccinelli's 2012 Christian Life Summit speech, the entirety of which was published to YouTube. In the speech, Cuccinelli said, "Really, Given that God does judge nations, it's amazing that abortion has run as far and foully as it has, without what I would consider to be a greater imposition of judgment on this country...Who knows what the future holds?"[5]

In August 2013, Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) revealed government documents implicating McAuliffe in a "cash-for-visa financing" scheme by an electic car company called GreenTech Automotive currently under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (S.E.C.). As the founder of GreenTech Automotive, McAuliffe was already entrenched in the controversy surrounding the company's financial misconduct, as reported by Watchdog beginning in December 2012.[6] Grassley's findings aligned with Watchdog reports claiming McAuliffe received special treatment from a high-ranking U.S. immigration official to streamline the visa approval process for foreign investors.[7] Due to its poor performance and its employment of Hillary Rodham Clinton's brother, who handled the company's capital and is thus the target of the investigation, the now infamous environmental venture marks a blemish on the McAuliffe-campaign platform: to reinvigorate the state's economy using his business knowledge and experience as a successful job creator. Developments linking McAuliffe to the suspected fraud has made that blemish more pronounced, though polls continue to disprove initial theories that it would severely threaten his chances of overtaking Cuccinelli in the November general election. Cuccinelli continued to be the more beleaguered candidate of the pair even after the Greentech S.E.C. investigation scandal broke and opened McAuliffe up for criticism regarding his history of "mingling politics and business."[8]

On Oct. 8, 2013, less than one month prior to the general election Watchdog published new e-mail evidence pointing to McAuliffe's involvement in GreenTech's practice of leaning on the Department of Homeland Security to expedite their funding requests. The e-mails were made available by FOIA, and include exchanges between McAuliffe and Department of Homeland Secretary Janet Napolitano’s chief of staff in November 2012, when he was serving as the company's Chairman, as well as one between the DHS chief of staff and assistant secretary, in which the latter "related that the company threatened a shutdown if EB-5 applications were not approved immediately."[7] Short of causing waves, the development was eclipsed by the news that his campaign would be receiving live campaign support from Hillary Clinton, whose brother, remember, is one of McAuliffe’s alleged partners in crime from GreenTech.[9][10]

Appointments/Resignations

Michigan Cabinet Shuffle: New Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner appointed

Michigan Treasurer Andy Dillon tendered his resignation to Gov. Rick Snyder on Oct. 10, 2013, citing turmoil in his personal life among the reasons for wanting to cut his term short.[11] Dillon has served in the office since Snyder appointed him following his election in 2010, and, despite a heavily publicized divorce battle and his supervision of Detroit's "record $18 billion municipal bankruptcy" this July, the governor has only ever defended Dillon's performance, and insists Dillon was not pressured, at least by government forces, to step down.[12] During his tenure, which officially ends November 1, Dillon also sought to reform the state's tax system, actively promoted legislation to ensure municipalities and schools possess the tools to provide necessary services to state residents and developed the Municipal Services Authority to act as a mechanism for local entities to share best-practices.[13] In addition to these efforts, Dillon's time as treasurer was also shaped by intense media scrutiny about his personal life, specifically with regard to his failed marriage and substance abuse issues.

Dillon, a former 16th District state representative, will be succeeded by Kevin Clinton, effective November 1.[14] Clinton already occupies a position in Snyder's cabinet, as the Michigan Commissioner of Insurance; Thus, Clinton's reassignment triggered a second vacancy for the governor to attend to. On October 15, Snyder tapped Ann Flood to take over the commissionership upon Clinton's departure.[15][16] Flood, who has been serving as chief deputy of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, is also a registered nurse and a member of the Michigan State Bar. Prior to signing on to her current position in state government, Flood was executive vice president and chief operating officer of American Physicians Capital Inc. Her professional background also includes working as senior vice president, corporate secretary and legal counsel of ProNational Insurance Co.[15]

Since treasurer is one of the three constitutional executive department heads that make up the Executive Branch, its vacancy contingencies are clearly addressed in Article V, Section 6 of the state constitution. The section states that the appointment can be rejected if a majority of state senators vote against it, with the window to reject open for "60 session days after the date of such appointment. Any appointment not disapproved within such period shall stand confirmed." In 2013, the Legislature's estimated session will run through December 31. Likewise, Snyder's appointment of Flood to replace Clinton as insurance commissioner is subject to the advice and consent of the state Sente, "if it is in session," according to the Michigan Compiled Laws.[17]

State Rep. named as new Utah Lt. Gov.

State Rep. Spencer Cox

On October 8, Utah Governor Gary Herbert (R) named Spencer Cox (R), a freshman state lawmaker from Sanpete County, to replace Lieutenant Governor Greg Bell who announced last month he was resigning the post for financial reasons. Before assuming the position Cox will need to be confirmed by the state Senate. He won unanimous approval from the Senate Government Operations Confirmation Committee on October 15 and was sworn in on the 16th.[18][19][20]

Cox, a 38-year-old telecommunications executive, was elected to the Utah House of Representatives unopposed on November 6, 2012. He previously served as a Fairview city councilman and mayor, and was on the Sanpete County commission.[21]

Cox, whose name did not come up in public speculation, said, "My goal is to just serve to the best of my capacity. My sincere hope is you won't notice a difference. I am not Greg Bell, but I am trying hard to be every day."[22]

The lawmaker made headlines earlier this year when he became the first member of the House to call for the impeachment of Attorney General John Swallow (R), who is under investigation for possible violations of state campaign-finance laws. The office of the lieutenant governor is responsible for the enforcement of state elections laws and currently has an inquiry of Swallow under way. Bell said Cox will have to determine if he needs to recuse himself from the investigation.[23]

Utah's top two positions have seen a number of irregular changes in recent years - Gov. Herbert was serving as lieutenant governor in 2009 when then-Gov. Jon Huntsman resigned to become U.S. Ambassador to China. Herbert subsequently chose Bell, then a state senator, as his second in charge. The two teamed up to win the 2010 special election to determine who would serve out the remainder of Huntsman's term. They won re-election in 2012.

2013 Elections

See also: State executive official elections, 2013
State Executive Official Elections Results in 2013
Office Incumbent Incumbent Party Incumbent Running? 2013 Winner Partisan switch?
Governor of New Jersey Chris Christie Ends.png Republican Yes Pending
Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey Kim Guadagno Ends.png Republican Yes Pending
Governor of Virginia Bob McDonnell Ends.png Republican No Pending
Lieutenant Governor of Virginia Bill Bolling Ends.png Republican No Pending
Attorney General of Virginia Ken Cuccinelli Ends.png Republican No (running for governor) Pending
Superintendent of Wisconsin Tony Evers Grey.png Nonpartisan Yes Tony Evers No
Mark your calendar
DateEvent
November 5General election in New Jersey and Virginia


There are three states holding state executive official elections in 2013 -- New Jersey, Virginia and Wisconsin. A total of six officials will be elected. The attention-grabbing positions up for election are Governor of New Jersey and Governor of Virginia. Both made The Washington Post’s list of the top five races to watch in 2013.

Wisconsin

The first state executive election in 2013 took place in Wisconsin on April 2, 2013. Incumbent Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers won re-election to a second term against challenger Don Pridemore.[24] Evers, a career educator, handily defeated Don Pridemore, a Wisconsin State Assemblyman since 2005. Although the Superintendent of Public Instruction is a nonpartisan position, Evers is a Democrat and Pridemore is a Republican.

The race attracted considerable buzz in the lead-up to the election, owing in large part to the controversial education proposals put forth by Gov. Scott Walker (R) in his 2013-2015 budget plan, as well as Pridemore's penchant for provoking the media - with dramatic pronouncements about his campaign agenda or else by creating a blacklist of a number of "liberal"[25] political reporters.[26][27]

Evers received over 61% of the vote, equalling 487,030 votes. This figure points to Evers' growth in popularity since his initial election to the post back in 2009, when he won 439,248 votes and a roughly 15 percentage point victory over a different single challenger, Rose Fernandez.

Below are the official results of the superintendent race, certified by the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board on April 23.[28]

Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Instruction General Election, 2013
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Nonpartisan Green check mark transparent.pngTony Evers Incumbent 61.1% 487,030
     Nonpartisan Don Pridemore 38.7% 308,050
     Scattering Various 0.2% 1,431
Total Votes 796,511
Election Results via Wisconsin Government Accountability Board (dead link).

Virginia

Governor

Current Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell (R) is ineligible to run for re-election in 2013 because of term limits. The term limits Virginia imposes on its governors are more strict than any other state in the country: under the commonwealth's constitution, no governor may serve back-to-back terms. This means that McDonnell, unlike other governors in their first term, is ineligible to run for re-election until a full term has passed.

There are no such term limits on the attorney general, and many were surprised at current AG Ken Cuccinelli's (R) decision to run for governor rather than seek another term. If not for Cuccinelli, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling would have been the frontrunner for the Republican nomination to succeed McDonnell.[29] Due to the decision by the Republican Party of Virginia Virginia to change their candidate nomination method from open primary election to closed nominating convention starting in 2013, and "tea party darling" Cuccinelli's presence in the race, Bolling withdrew his bid for the GOP nod in November 2012. .[30][31] About the alternative of seeking re-election to his current post, Bolling stated that, “Under normal circumstances, I would be open to the possibility of running for another term as lieutenant governor, but I would not be interested in running on a statewide ticket with Mr. Cuccinelli.”[32] He later said he regretted dropping out of the race as early as he did.[33]

McDonnell had previously pledged his support for Bolling's candidacy- in part because Bolling refrained from challenging McDonnell for governor in 2009. After Bolling bowed out, McDonnell chose to endorse fellow Republican Cuccinelli for his successor, despite Cuccinelli's outspoken opposition to McDonnell's Transportation Initiative, which is considered to be the centerpiece of his gubernatorial legacy. Ironically, Cuccinelli's future general election opponent, former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe, has been equally outspoken on the issue, but as an advocate and defender of the outgoing governor's approach to amending the state's transportation funding policy.[34][35][36]

In response to the major party picks, the Libertarian Party held a special convention and nominated Robert Sarvis as the party's official gubernatorial candidate.[37]

Like Cuccinelli and Sarvis, McAuliffe faced no primary contest. As of October 2013, McAuliffe is comfortably leading Cuccinelli and Sarvis in polls and fundraising. Aggregated polling data show the Democratic nominee with an average edge of seven percentage points edge over Cuccinelli.[38] McAuliffe outraised Cuccinelli $6.2 million to $3.4 million in September, and has $1.9 million left in the bank versus just $1 million for Cuccinelli. The latest campaign finance filings show McAuliffe raising $6.2 million to Cuccinelli's $3.4 million, and holding $1.9 million in cash on hand, which is twice the size of Cuccinelli's warchest. Sarvis was trailing both with a reported $19,110 cash on hand.[39][40][41] Hillary Clinton's decision to come out in support of McAuliffe on October 19 - marking her first campaign event appearance since stepping down as U.S. Secretary of State - further enhanced the Democrat's frontrunner status.[42]

The three contenders will square off in the general election on November 5, 2013.[43]

Impact of US government shutdown on governor's race

The high profile federal government shutdown has coincided with the home stretch of this year's increasingly expensive and high-profile Virginia governor race, creating a fresh backdrop for the battle between major party nominees Terry McAuliffe (D) and Ken Cuccinelli (R), and providing a brand new context in which to undermine each candidate's character and leadership potential.[44] Each campaign released an ad the aftermath of the shutdown, which arrived on the heels of the candidates' second debate.[45]

With the nation paying close attention to its government in light of the perceived failure of Congress to work together in the best interests of their constituents, McAuliffe and Cuccinelli's ads each highlight features of his opponent which most closely mirror the type of stubbornness displayed by the House and Senate leading up to the shutdown, and to which the general public is, at the moment, so sensitively attuned. That moment, to be more specific, is one month before the general election. As the competition stands, McAuliffe has an overall average lead in the polls of 5.3 points over his Republican foe.[46]

Hoping to use the shutdown to further advance his edge by painting Cuccinelli in with the GOP ideologues in Congress, McAuliffe's ad emphasizes Cuccinelli's strong ties to tea party leader U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), since Cruz is an outspoken supporter both of Cuccinelli and the far-right congressional insurgency which, in seeking to defund Obamacare, is regarded as causing the shutdown. The ad cites Cuccinelli's past effort to defund planned parenthood, apparently bringing the Virginia legislature "to a standstill," as well as claims Cuccinelli was sufficiently opposed to Mark Warner's 2004 budget to call for a shutdown of the state government.[47]

Cuccinelli's ad aims to discredit McAuliffe by referencing articles from The Washington Post and the Richmond-Times Dispatch criticizing McAuliffe's prospective budget plan that he has allegedly threatened to shutdown the government to get passed. The radio spot also accuses him of being "against compromise, against working together to find solutions,” and notes how the Democrat sided with his fellow party members in Congress who had vocally dismissed opportunities to collaborate with the Republicans to avert shutdown.[48][49]

The solo third party candidate in the race, Libertarian Robert Sarvis, may find a unique opportunity in this shutdown atmosphere, where disillusionment with the current standard of government operation runs rampant. If Sarvis is permitted to participate in the third debate with McAuliffe and Cuccinelli, he could potentially attract a substantial number of voters who, already frustrated under Congress' showcase of two-party gridlock, could find themselves more sympathetic than usual to an as-yet untainted non-major party nominee.

"People are looking for other options they don't like what they have to see from those two parties and we're trying to fill that void with principled advocacy for more freedom in our economic sphere and personal lives," stated Sarvis. His passive warning about "obvious dysfunction of our [federal] government" also existing on the state and local level could have an especially profound impact on swing voters and the average 10% of voters polling as undecided.[50][51]

On August 2, 2013, Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) revealed government documents implicating McAuliffe in a possible investment fraud being investigated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (S.E.C.). Grassley's findings that McAuliffe received special treatment from a high-ranking immigration official further entrenched the candidate in the controversy surrounding Greentech Automotive, a failed electric car company which he founded. Due to its poor performance and its employment of Hillary Rodham Clinton's brother, who handled the company's capital and is thus the target of the investigation, the now well-publicized environmental venture marks a blemish on the McAuliffe-campaign platform: to reinvigorate the state's economy using his business knowledge and experience as a successful job creator. Developments linking McAuliffe to the suspected fraud has made that blemish more pronounced, though polls continue to disprove initial theories that it would severely threaten his chances of overtaking Cuccinelli in the November general election. Cuccinelli had been the beleaguered candidate of the pair up until the Greentech S.E.C. investigation scandal broke and opened McAuliffe up for criticism regarding his history of "mingling politics and business."[52] Still, the latest polls indicate the Democrat has not lost his edge.


Governor of Virginia: All candidates
Poll Terry McAuliffe (D) Ken Cuccinelli (R)Robert Sarvis (L)UndecidedMargin of errorSample size
Public Policy Poll/Harper
(October 5-6, 2013)
 47%39%8%6%+/-2.91,150
AVERAGES +/-2.9 1,165
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.
Governor of Virginia: All candidates
Poll Terry McAuliffe (D) Ken Cuccinelli (R)Robert Sarvis (L)UndecidedMargin of errorSample size
Christopher Newport Poll
(October 1-6, 2013)
 47%38%9%11%+/-3.1886
Rasmussen Reports Poll
(September 23, 2013)
 44%38%6%11%+/-3.01,050
NBC News/Marist Poll
(September 17-19, 2013)
 43%38%8%11%+/-4.2546
Washington Post-Abt SRBI poll
(September 19-22, 2013)
 47%39%10%3%+/-4.5562
Harper Polling/Conservative Intel
(September 15-16, 2013)
 42%37%10%11%+/-3.51779
Quinnipiac University Poll
(September 9-15, 2013)
 44%41%7%6%+/-3.11,005
League of Women Voters/Public Policy Polling
(August 27-28, 2013)
 44%37%9%9%+/--500
Emerson College Poll
(August 23-28, 2013)
 45%35%10%11%+/-3.8653
Public Policy Polling
(July 11-14, 2013)
 41%37%7%5%+/-4.0601
Roanoke University Poll
(July 8-14, 2013)
 31%37%5%27%+/-4.3525
AVERAGES 42.8% 37.7% 8.1% 10.5% +/-2.73 710.7
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.


Governor of Virginia: Cuccinelli v. McAuliffe (June 2013 - present)
Poll Terry McAuliffe (D) Ken Cuccinelli (R)Undecided/OtherMargin of errorSample size
Public Policy Poll/Harper
(October 5-6, 2013)
 52%42%6%+/-2.9
Washington Post-Abt SRBI poll
(September 19-22, 2013)
 49%44%7%+/-4.5562
Purple Strategies Poll
(September 6-10, 2013)
 43%38%19%+/-3.5800
Rasmussen Reports
(September 3-4, 2013)
 45%38%10%+/-3.0998
Internal Poll
(August 13-18, 2013)
 48%44%8%+/-4.0600
Quinnipiac University Poll
(August 14-19, 2013)
 48%42%9%+/-2.91,129
Quinnipiac University Poll
(July 11-15, 2013)
 43%39%16%+/-3.11,030
Rasmussen Reports Poll
(June 5-6, 2013)
 44%41%12%+/-3.01,000
AVERAGES 46.5% 41% 10.88% +/-3.36 764.88
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.


Governor of Virginia: Cuccinelli v. McAuliffe (February 2013 - May 2013)
Poll Terry McAuliffe (D) Ken Cuccinelli (R)UndecidedMargin of errorSample size
Public Policy Polling
(May 24-26, 2013)
 42%37%21%+/-3.8672
Quinnipiac University
(May 8-13, 2013)
 43%38%17%+/-2.71,286
NBC News/Marist Poll
(April 28-May 2, 2013)
 43%41%16%+/-3.01,095
Washington Post (Likely Voters)
(April 29-May 2, 2013)
 41%51%8%+/-5.0663
Washington Post (Registered Voters)
(April 29-May 2, 2013)
 41%46%13%+/-4.0887
Roanoke College Poll
(April 8-14, 2013)
 29%34%38%+/-3.9629
Quinnipiac University
(Feb. 14-18, 2013)
 38%38%21%+/-2.01,112
AVERAGES 39.57% 40.71% 19.14% +/-3.49 906.29
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.

Lieutenant Governor

Incumbent Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling (R) is not seeking re-election this year. Nine candidates filed to fill the imminently-open executive seat, including two Democrats and seven Republicans. State Sen. Ralph Northam defeated Aneesh Chopra for the Democratic Party's nomination for lieutenant governor in the June 11 primary election.[53] Northam's general election opponent is Republican E.W. Jackson. Jackson was nominated by delegates of the Virginia Republican Party at the party-funded statewide primary convention on May 17-18.[54]

Jackson's convention win marked the first time since Maurice Dawkins' nomination a quarter of a century ago that Virginia Republicans nominated an African-American for statewide office.[55] A minister at a non-denominational church and relatively new member of the Republican Party, Jackson edged out six primary opponents by emphasizing his commitment to hallmark conservative issues such as smaller government, gun rights and traditional family values. He appealed to the delegation with the promise, "We will not only win an election in November, we will open the hearts and minds of our people and save this commonwealth and save this country."[56]

Jackson was an unwelcome choice for the state's Republican establishment from the start, despite his post-convention promise, thanks to his refusal to divert from, or water down the rhetoric of, his "liberty agenda." The agenda contains the issues mentioned above, none of which are earth-shattering stances for a conservative; Jackson is anti-Obamacare, pro-Second Amendment and anti-federal overreach. His approach to delivering these messages, however, has raised more concerns - as well as eyebrows - from the party than was originally anticipated. In August, Jackson referred to the Democratic Party as the "anti-God party" because of its supportive position on same-sex marriage and abortion, cementing his reputation for being impermeable to warnings about how his often inflammatory rhetoric might alienate swing voters or more moderate Republican voters heading into the general election. Then on Sept. 4, The Washington Post reported that his independent streak also extends to his behind the scenes campaign style. Since securing the nomination in May, Jackson has not taken advantage of the Virginia Republican Party's massive pool of campaign resources. He has declined offers to utilize the party's voter databases and related logistical tools in addition to field office venues across the state- a "virtually unheard-of forfeiture of resources for a statewide candidate."[57]

On the Democratic end, Northam, a pediatric neurologist who was first elected to the state legislature's upper chamber in 2008, wants to win the lt. governor's office in order to restore Democratic control over the state senate. His campaign has also focused on improving education and creating jobs in energy efficiency, in addition to reversing the direction the Republican leadership has taken the state on women's health issues. "Their crusades to shut down reproductive health centers and to mandate costly and invasive medical procedures for women seeking abortions have embarrassed the Commonwealth, and have inserted government between doctors and their patients."[58][59]

The most recent campaign finance reporting cycle ended on Aug. 31, with Northam maintaining an ample fundraising lead over Jackson, to add to the consistent edge he has shown in the polls. Jackson's remarkable refusal to accept assistance from the Republican Party has no doubt hindered him from overtaking Northam in money and/or voter support. His proven difficulties adhering to the state board of elections' filing protocols, having twice needed to amend his documentation of loans or donations, likewise does not bode favorably for the GOP nominee heading into the home stretch of the campaign.[60][61]

Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
Poll Ralph Northam (D) E.W. Jackson (R)Not sureMargin of errorSample size
Christopher Newport Poll
(October 1-6, 2013)
 48%37%16%+/-3.1886
Public Policy Poll
(July 11-14, 2013)
 42%35%23%+/-4.0601
Roanoke University Poll
(July 8-14, 2013)
 30%28%41%+/-4.3525
Public Policy Poll
(May 24-26, 2013)
 35%29%36%+/-3.8672
AVERAGES 38.75% 32.25% 29% +/-3.8 671
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.

Attorney General

In March 2013, Governing magazine rated Virginia's open attorney general seat as "vulnerable" heading into the 2013-2014 elections because incumbent Republican Ken Cuccinelli is not running for re-election.[62]

The race to replace Cuccinelli began at the primary nomination stage; both Republican convention and Democratic election candidates drew primary contests. On May 18, two "strong fiscal and social conservatives"[62] -- state Sen. Mark Obenshain and state Rep. Rob Bell -- competed for delegate votes at the Republican Party of Virginia's closed nominating convention, which Obenshain won.[63] The nominee's late father, GOP politician Richard Obenshain, died in a plane crash during his 1978 campaign for U.S. Senate. Obenshain will square off against state Sen. Mark Herring in the general election. Herring defeated former assistant U.S. Attorney for Virginia Justin Fairfax in the Democratic primary election, which took place on June 11, 2013.[64][62]


Attorney General of Virginia
Poll Mark Herring (D) Mark Obenshain (R)Not sureMargin of errorSample size
Christopher Newport Poll
(October 1-6, 2013)
 45%42%14%+/-3.1886
Public Policy Poll
(July 11-14, 2013)
 38%36%25%+/-4.0601
Roanoke University Poll
(July 8-14, 2013)
 29%33%38%+/-4.3525
Public Policy Poll
(May 24-28, 2013)
 33%32%34%+/-3.8672
AVERAGES 36.25% 35.75% 27.75% +/-3.8 671
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.


New Jersey

General election

(gov & lt. gov running-mate listed together)

[65]

Race background

Incumbent Republican Gov. Chris Christie and Democratic state Sen. Barbara Buono faced one challenger each in the primary election on June 4, though ultimately neither presented much of a challenge. Both won their respective party nominations with roughly 90% of the vote.[79][80]

Former Atlantic City Councilman Seth Grossman was the sole Republican to brave a run against the popular first term governor, whose star has long been on the rise but turned meteoric in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Grossman's campaign criticized Christie for being overly moderate, while Buono's opponent Troy Webster, adviser to the mayor of East Orange, believed he was uniquely suited to making New Jersey friendlier to "the working poor and middle class families who have been literally 'thrown under the bus.'"[81] Grossman and Webster were endorsed by the weekly publication NJ Today.[82]

In New Jersey, gubernatorial candidates have 30 days to select a lieutenant gubernatorial running mate to share the ticket with in the general election. Immediately after launching his re-election campaign, Christie secured his current Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno as his running mate, while Buono waited until July 29 to formally announce her choice of union leader Milly Silva as her running mate. Silva is the executive vice president of 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.[83][84] The two-woman ticket will be up against incumbent Republican governor/lt. governor pair Chris Christie and Kim Guadagno in addition to a number of third party opponents in the general election contest taking place November 5, 2013.

Christie is heavily favored to win re-election, with his campaign raising nearly double that of Buono's in the primary and maintaining a decisive lead in the polls up to the present.[85][86] He also has bipartisan support, which is crucial in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans by over 700,000, according to party registration statistics provided by the New Jersey Department of State.[87]

Since 1977, New Jersey gubernatorial primary and general election candidates can qualify for a public funding program whereby candidates who raise a minimum amount of money are dispensed tax-generated funds, controlled by the state election law enforcement commission, in direct proportion to campaign donations given from the public. In 2013, the qualifying sum for primary gubernatorial candidates is $380,000.[88] The purpose of the program is to lessen the influence of corporate contributions in elections. On February 2, 2013, then-presumptive Democratic nominee Barbara Buono's campaign reported that it had surpassed the $380,000 mark.[89] By that time, Christie's campaign had already raised $2 million. Unlike in 2009, Christie declined to use matching funds in the 2013 primary, but he decided in August to opt into the program for the general election phase. Under the program, Christie is eligible for an additional $8 million, approximately. The terms also state that he must participate in two debates with Buono before Nov. 5.[89][90]

The New Jersey gubernatorial election was rated by the Washington Post as one of the top five races to watch in 2013.[91]

September 26-present

New Jersey Governor's Race 2013
Poll Barbara Buono (D) Chris Christie* (R)UndecidedMargin of errorSample size
Quinnipiac University Poll
(October 10-14, 2013)
 33%62%5%+/-2.21,938
Monmouth University Poll
(October 10-12, 2013)
 38%59%3%+/-2.51,606
Stockton Institute Poll
(October 3-8, 2013)
 28%61%11%+/-3.5800
Quinnipiac University Poll
(October 5-7, 2013)
 33%62%4%+/-2.91,144
Rasmussen Reports
(October 7, 2013)
 34%55%7%+/-3.01,000
Fairleigh Dickenson Poll
(September 30, 2013-October 5, 2013)
 25%58%15%+/-3.7702
Monmouth University Poll
(September 26-29, 2013)
 37%56%4.0%+/-4.0615
AVERAGES 32.57% 59% 7% +/-3.11 1,115
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.

April 19-September 22

New Jersey Governor's Race 2013
Poll Barbara Buono (D) Chris Christie* (R)UndecidedMargin of errorSample size
Quinnipiac University Poll
September 19-22, 2013
 30%64%6%+/-2.81,249
Stockton Poll
September 15-21, 2013
 30%58%9%+/-3.4812
Rutgers-Eagleton Poll
September 3-9, 2013
 35%55%8%+/-4.1568
Rasmussen Reports Poll
September 10-11, 2013
 32%58%8%+/-3.0999
Fairleigh Dickinson University PublicMind Poll
August 21-27, 2013
 26%50%24%+/-3.7700
Monmouth University/Asbury Park Press Poll
August 15-18, 2013
 36%56%6%+/-3.5777
Quinnipiac University Poll
August 1-5, 2013
 30%58%8%+/-2.22,042
Quinnipiac University Poll
July 2-7, 2013
 29%61%7%+/-3.01,068
NBC News/Marist Poll
April 28-May 2, 2013
 28%60%10%+/-3.01,080
Quinnipiac University Poll
April 19-22, 2013
 26%58%13%+/-2.91,112
AVERAGES 30.2% 57.8% 9.9% +/-3.16 1,040.7
Note: The polls above may not reflect all polls that have been conducted in this race. Those displayed are a random sampling chosen by Ballotpedia staff. If you would like to nominate another poll for inclusion in the table, send an email to editor@ballotpedia.org.


2014 Elections

See also: State executive official elections, 2014

Ballotpedia has counted and is currently tracking a total of 217 state executive positions in 42 states that will be on the ballot next year. That is more than double the number of positions that were elected in 2012, when 94 positions were elected. The eight states that are not holding executive official elections in 2014 are Kentucky, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Utah, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia.

The offices up for election include:

Mark your calendar
DateEvent
December 2Candidate filing deadline in Illinois (major parties)
December 9Candidate filing deadline in Texas (major parties)
January 28, 2014Candidate filing deadline in Kentucky (major parties)


Notable candidates

This week in State Executive Trivia

252px-Question book-3 trans.png

Q. Among current governors, how many have served in the Armed Forces and how many have served overseas during a foreign war?

Answer: A total of 12 governors have served in the Armed Forces, while 38 have no military service. One, Iowa’s Terry Branstad (R), served overseas during a foreign war. He spent two years in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps during Vietnam.[102]

The breakdown by branches of the military for the 12 who served is as follows:[103]


Footnotes

  1. ↑ Delaware Online, "Dallas Winslow named new PSC chairman," July 16, 2012
  2. ↑ Kristen Mathews, "Email communication with Department of State employee Matthew R. Hartigan," October 16, 2013
  3. ↑ Virginia General Assembly Legislative Information System - SB 371 Abortion; procedure if performed after first trimester
  4. ↑ Virginia General Assembly Legislative Information System - SB 315 Abortion; preservation of fetal tissue when performed on child under age 15
  5. ↑ Prolife news YouTube channel, "Ken Cuccinelli at Christian Life Summit 2012," September 30, 2013
  6. ↑ Watchdog, "VA: As he runs for governor, McAuliffe wheels and deals electric cars in Mississippi," December 10, 2012
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Watchdog, "New emails add evidence McAuliffe pressed US officials to approve Greentech funding," October 8, 2013
  8. ↑ The New York Times, "Clouds Spread to Democratic Side of Virginia Governor’s Race," August 2, 2013
  9. ↑ Terry McAuliffe for Governor 2014 Official Campaign Website, "Endorsements - Organizations," accessed September 3, 2013
  10. ↑ The Hill, "Hillary Clinton to campaign in Virginia with McAuliffe (Video)," October 14, 2013
  11. ↑ MLive, "Michigan Treasurer Andy Dillon resigns, citing messy divorce and media scrutiny," October 10, 2013
  12. ↑ Bloomberg, "Michigan Treasurer Andy Dillon Resigns Amid Fallout From Divorce," October 11, 2013
  13. ↑ Mlive.com State Treasurer Andy Dillon: Grand Rapids will feed the 'McDonald's' of Michigan municipalities, July 24, 2012
  14. ↑ Detroit News Lansing Bureau, "Kevin Clinton becomes Michigan's state treasurer," October 15, 2013
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 The Insurance-Journal, "Flood appointed Michigan's Insurance Director; Clinton Named State Treasurer," October 16, 2013
  16. ↑ The Republic, "Michigan governor names insurance director Clinton as next state treasurer to replace Dillon," October 15, 2013
  17. ↑ Michigan Compiled Laws, "500.202 Insurance Commissioner," accessed December 21, 2012
  18. ↑ Fox 13, "Utah’s new Lt. Governor announced," October 8, 2013
  19. ↑ Deseret News, “Lt. gov pic Spencer Cox wins unanimous approval from confirmation committee,” October 16, 2013
  20. ↑ The Republic, "Freshman lawmaker Cox sworn in as Utah's lieutenant governor, replaces outgoing Bell," October 16, 2013
  21. ↑ Daily Herald, "Utah legislator chosen as new lieutenant gov.," October 8, 2013
  22. ↑ Deseret News, "Gov. Herbert names Rep. Spencer Cox new lieutenant governor," October 8, 2013
  23. ↑ Salt Lake Tribune, "Herbert picks state Rep. Spencer Cox as new lieutenant governor," October 8, 2013
  24. ↑ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wisconsin April 2 election results," accessed April 3, 2013
  25. ↑ The Republic, "GOP education superintendent candidate's campaign blacklists 5 Wisconsin reporters," March 17, 2013
  26. ↑ Walworth County Today, "Wisconsin superintendent candidates to debate," March 12, 2013 (dead link)
  27. ↑ WisPolitics, "Pridemore Campaign: Pridemore vows to eliminate DPI mascot policy," March 28, 2013
  28. ↑ Wisconsin Government Accountability Board, "Canvass Certification: 2013 Spring Election," accessed April 18, 2013
  29. ↑ Richmond Times Dispatch, "Bolling on Cuccinelli: 'Nothing he does surprises me'," December 6, 2011
  30. ↑ The Washington Post, "GOP Fratricide in Virginia," December 1, 2012
  31. ↑ Washington Post, "Bill Bolling decides not to seek GOP nomination for VA governor," November 28, 2012
  32. ↑ The Roanoke Times, "Could Bolling run for governor as an independent?" November 28, 2102
  33. ↑ The Richmond Times-Dispatch, "Bolling regrets dropping out of the race so soon," April 22, 2013
  34. ↑ The Collegian, "Obama victory could cost Democrats Virginia governorship," November 15, 2012
  35. ↑ NBC 12- Decision Virginia 2013, "Transportation battle creates awkward political triangle," March 26, 2013
  36. ↑ Washington Post, "Cuccinelli vs. McAuliffe: Virginia governor’s race holds the eyes of the nation," March 29, 2013
  37. ↑ Independent Political Report, "Robert Sarvis Receives Libertarian Party of Virginia Nomination for Governor in 2013," accessed April 27, 2013
  38. ↑ The Huffington Post, "HuffPost Pollster: 2013 Virginia Governor: Cuccinelli vs. McAuliffe," accessed September 18, 2013
  39. ↑ Politico, "Terry McAuliffe outraises Ken Cuccinelli by $3M," October 15, 2013
  40. ↑ The Washington Post, "McAuliffe tops Cuccinelli in fundraising race for Virginia governor," September 17, 2013
  41. ↑ The Richmond Times-Dispatch, "McAuliffe maintains cash edge over Cuccineli," September 17, 2013
  42. ↑ The Hill, "Hillary Clinton to campaign in Virginia with McAuliffe (Video)," October 14, 2013
  43. ↑ Associated Press - abc7.com, "Terry McAuliffe qualifies for Virginia June Democratic primary ballot," March 27, 2013
  44. ↑ Politico, "Virginia governor race 2013: Shutdown roils contest," October 4, 2013
  45. ↑ The Washington Post, "Five things to watch in the Cuccinelli-McAuliffe debate," September 25, 2013
  46. ↑ RealClearPolitics, "Virginia Governor - Cuccinelli vs. McAuliffe," accessed October 7, 2013
  47. ↑ The Washington Post, "In Virginia governor’s race, McAuliffe calls on Cuccinelli to denounce shutdown, Cruz," October 7, 2013
  48. ↑ Terry McAuliffe for Governor YouTube Channel, "Terry McAuliffe Radio Ad: Cuccinelli and the Architect," October 5, 2013
  49. ↑ CuccinelliPress YouTube channel, "Shutdown," accessed October 7, 2013
  50. ↑ Real Clear Politics, "Virginia Governor 3-Way," accessed October 7, 2013
  51. ↑ nbc29.com, "Robert Sarvis: I'm giving voters a better option," October 5, 2013
  52. ↑ The New York Times, "Clouds Spread to Democratic Side of Virginia Governor’s Race," August 2, 2013
  53. ↑ Blue Virginia, "Virginia Primary Election Results Live Blog," June 11, 2013
  54. ↑ The Washington Post, "Va. GOP settles on Cuccinelli, Obenshain and Jackson for November ballot," May 19, 2013
  55. ↑ Afro.com, "Virginia GOP Nominates Conservative Black Minister for Lt. Gov.," May 19, 2013
  56. ↑ The Washington Post, "Virginia GOP picks staunch conservatives as statewide candidates," May 18, 2013
  57. ↑ The Washington Post, "Jackson keeps GOP establishment at arm's length in Va. lieutenant governor campaign," September 4, 2013
  58. ↑ Official Campaign Website, "Issues," accessed March 20, 2013
  59. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named demprim
  60. ↑ The Washington Post, "McAuliffe tops Cuccinelli in fundraising race for Virginia governor," September 17, 2013
  61. ↑ The Richmond Times-Dispatch, "McAuliffe maintains cash edge over Cuccineli," September 17, 2013
  62. ↑ 62.0 62.1 62.2 Governing, "The 2013-2014 Attorneys General Races: Who's Vulnerable?" March 25, 2013
  63. ↑ The Washington Post, "Va. GOP settles on Cuccinelli, Obenshain and Jackson for November ballot," May 19, 2013
  64. ↑ Blue Virginia, "Virginia Primary Election Results Live Blog," June 11, 2013
  65. ↑ New Jersey Division of Elections, "Candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor - Official List," August 8, 2013
  66. ↑ 66.0 66.1 Quinnipiac University, "Booker Is Strongest Dem To Face Christie, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Voters Say Show Me The Money Before Tax Cut Vote," October 17, 2012
  67. ↑ NorthJersey.com, "Democrat Barbara Buono running for governor in NJ," December 11, 2012
  68. ↑ 68.0 68.1 68.2 68.3 68.4 New Jersey State Board of Elections, "Primary candidate list for 2013 Governor," accessed April 4, 2013 (dead link)
  69. ↑ The Associated Press, "Governor Christie Announces Re-Election Bid," November 26, 2012
  70. ↑ Politico, "Report: Cory Booker may take on Chris Christie," August 24, 2012
  71. ↑ The New York Times, "http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/21/nyregion/booker-wont-run-for-governor-eyes-senate-bid.html?hp&_r=1&," December 20, 2012
  72. ↑ The Star-Leger, "Sen. Richard Codey says he won't run for governor after weighing a campaign," accessed January 25, 2013
  73. ↑ West Deptford Patch, "Steve Sweeney Won’t Run for Governor in ’13," January 28, 2013
  74. ↑ The Star-Ledger, "Sen. Sweeney to run for governor if Cory Booker declines, sources say," November 28, 2012
  75. ↑ The Huffington Post, "Steve Sweeney Considering Race For Governor Of New Jersey Against Chris Christie," December 6, 2012
  76. ↑ NJ.com, "Sen. Buono raises almost $250K in first month of campaigning," January 2, 2013
  77. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named quinpolll
  78. ↑ Rutgers-Eagleton Poll, November 27, 2012
  79. ↑ NJToday, "Primary election results," accessed June 5, 2013
  80. ↑ Politickernj.com, "Christie and Buono wrap yawner primary season," June 4, 2013
  81. ↑ Elect Troy Webster Official Campaign Website, "Biography," accessed June 4, 2013
  82. ↑ NJ Today, "EDITORIAL: Troy Webster For Governor," April 14, 2013
  83. ↑ NorthJersey.com, "Barbara Buono picks union leader Milly Silva as running mate," July 25, 2013
  84. ↑ Barbara Buono and Milly Silva 2013 Official Campaign website, "Press Releases: Buono Names Milly Silva Candidate for Lieutenant Governor," July 29, 2013
  85. ↑ PolitickerNJ, "Christie and Buono wrap yawner primary season," June 4, 2013
  86. ↑ NJ News 12 “Poll: Christie remains popular in NJ” accessed April 15, 2013
  87. ↑ New Jersey Department of State Elections Division, "Statewide Voter Registration Summary," May 7, 2013
  88. ↑ NJ.com, "Sen. Buono raises almost $250K in first month of campaigning," January 2, 2013
  89. ↑ 89.0 89.1 The Star-Ledger, "Buono qualifies for public matching funds in N.J. governor's race," February 4, 2013
  90. ↑ NorthJersey.com, "Christie campaign participating in public financing program," August 20, 2013
  91. ↑ Washington Post, "The 5 best races of 2013," November 30, 2012
  92. ↑ WPRO, "NEWS: Caprio to seek Treasurer's office, outline plans," October 8, 2013
  93. ↑ Huffington Post, "Mary Burke Announces Candidacy For Governor In Wisconsin (VIDEO)," October 7, 2013
  94. ↑ The Pine Tree, "Gaines Announces Bid for California Insurance Commissioner," October 3, 2013
  95. ↑ The Boston Globe, "Galvin’s pass on attorney general race opens door," October 9, 2013
  96. ↑ Bill Gavin Secretary of State Official Campaign Website, "Homepage," accessed September 9, 2013
  97. ↑ Wbal.com, "Gansler announces runningmate," October 14, 2013
  98. ↑ The Anchorage Daily News, "French to run for Lieutenant Governor," October 16, 2013
  99. ↑ Anchorage Daily News, Anchorage Democrat French considering run for governor, August 14, 2013 (dead link)
  100. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named akgov14
  101. ↑ The Anchorage Daily News, "Mallot officially launches campaign for governor," October 15, 2013 (dead link)
  102. ↑ The Iowa Legislature, “Terry E. Branstad,” accessed October 15, 2013
  103. ↑ Eagleton Institute of Politics, “ Fast Facts about American Governors – 2013,” accessed October 15, 2013
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