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The Executive Summary: Labor Day marks unofficial beginning of 2014 election season

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September 5, 2013

Edited by Greg Janetka

This edition of The Executive Summary crosses the invisible post-Labor Day line that unofficially kicks off the 2014 election season and looks at how state executive races are shaping up across the country. Additionally we update the ongoing gifts saga of Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell (R), give you the rundown on the new Iowa Director of Education and why the Pennsylvania Secretary of Education was asked to resign, detail the 2013 races in their final months, and toss a trivia question your way about the Lone Star State.

But first, surprising news yesterday out of Rhode Island -

Chafee won’t seek re-election

Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee (D) announced yesterday afternoon that he would not be running for a second term in order to focus on governing. "I want to devote all my time, all my energy, to the task at hand," he stated.[1] Until officially switching her party affiliation on May 30, 2013, Chafee was the country's only sitting Independent governor. He was expected to run for re-election as a Democrat. Chafee served in the U.S. Senate from 1999-2007 as a Republican.[2]

Joseph Fleming, a veteran Rhode Island pollster, said there was no way Chafee could have won re-election. "All the poll numbers over the last three years showed him with very low job approval ratings. I didn't see any scenario that had him winning as an independent or Democratic candidate. The numbers just weren't there for the governor," he stated.[3] With Chafee out of the picture, the likely Democratic primary will be a two-way battle between current State Treasurer Gina Raimondo and Providence Mayor Angel Taveras.

Beginning of unofficial election season

While the long Labor Day weekend is seen as the unofficial end of summer, it is also viewed in many states as the unofficial beginning of election season, with incumbents and challengers jumping into parades to increase their visibility. In Illinois, it marked the last day before candidates could begin gathering signatures to get on the March 18, 2014 primary ballot.[4] Meanwhile, Michigan Democrats, eager in their quest to unseat Republican incumbents, took part in Laborpalooza, advertised as promising to be “the most exciting Democratic Party party of the year.”[5]

With the 2014 general election still over a year away, some races already have a glut of challengers eager for their chance, while others have no declared candidates. Incumbents, likewise, have run the gamut between seeming to run for re-election as soon as they assumed office, to still wavering. Here at Ballotpedia, we are currently tracking 356 potential and declared 2014 state executive candidates. The race with perhaps the most candidates at this point is in Pennsylvania, where no less than 12 candidates are considering hopping into the Democratic primary for governor, six of which have officially declared. Polls have shown incumbent Tom Corbett (R) facing an upward climb to re-election. Gubernatorial races in New Hampshire and Vermont are very different from the rest of the country and they are the only two states who elect a governor every two years. While neither are bound by term limits, freshman governors in these states have a much shorter time frame to prove to voters what they are capable of and why they should be returned to office. This is the case of New Hampshire’s Maggie Hassan, who was first elected just ten months ago. While Hassan has received generally favorable ratings thus far, two Republican state senators are considering a challenge.[6] Vermont’s Peter Shumlin (D) was first elected in 2010, re-elected in 2012 and is assumed to be running in 2014. He has yet to have any major party challengers.[7] All in all, the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics estimates that a record-breaking 30 governors will seek re-election in 2014. The current record of 26 was set in 1960.[8]

Although gubernatorial races more often grab the headlines, there is a slew of down ballot races that promise to be interesting. One of which is for Barry Smitherman’s (R) seat on the Texas Railroad Commission, the body responsible for regulation of oil, gas and other industries in the state. With Smitherman running for Attorney General the seat will be open. So far five candidates, all Republicans, have declared in the race. Appointed in 2011, Smitherman won the right in 2012 to serve the rest of the term, raising a whopping $4,085,092 in the process. Of the 93 state executive office winners in 2012, only six candidates raised more, including four governors and two attorneys general. As Democrats seek a toehold in the bright red state, many of the offices have the potential to simply be an incumbent shuffle. Alongside Smitherman’s bid for higher office, current Attorney General Greg Abbott is running for governor, while Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson and Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples are seeking the lieutenant governor’s position.

One reason Texas has seen so much action this early is that their primary, the first of the season, is scheduled for March 4, 2014, just six months away. Illinois follows close behind on March 18. What will happen between now and then is anybody’s guess, but one thing is for sure - there are plenty of reasons to stay tuned.

Happenings

Gov. Bob McDonnell

Gov. McDonnell’s gifts keep on coming

It wouldn’t be a proper edition of The Executive Summary without an update on the gifts controversy that has surrounded Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell (R) since early this year.

Late last month, more gifts from Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams to McDonnell became public, including a fashion tour of New York Williams won for the governor's wife at a charity auction, paying to fly the governor and his wife to Cape Cod over Labor Day weekend in 2012, and allowing McDonnell, his sons and staff to play golf and purchase gear at exclusive Richmond area country clubs. Those close to the investigation said McDonnell was aware of these, even though the governor's lawyers have argued he should not be charged with any crimes partially because he was unaware of these gifts.[9]

Federal prosecutors, who previously met with McDonnell and his wife, are seeking another meeting with their lawyers no later than the week of September 15. At this meeting the U.S. Attorney’s office is expected to lay out key elements of the case. The investigation has hit delays, and prosecutors do not want to give the appearance that their work could influence the results of this year’s gubernatorial contest to replace McDonnell. When charges, if any, will be filed is unclear.[10][11]

Illinois

Illinois joint ticket election procedure to debut in 2014

The 2014 electoral cycle will mark the first time in Illinois history that candidates for the offices of governor and lieutenant governor will run on a single ticket in the primary election phase. Spurred by the 2010 fiasco where the independently elected Democratic lieutenant gubernatorial nominee Scott Lee Cohen had to drop out of the race after being arrested on charges of steroid use and domestic battery, the law was promptly changed with the notion that the introduction of a dependent selection process will create a stronger perception, right off the bat, of the office's partnership with that of the governor. The gubernatorial candidates began hand picking their running mates starting this week, though a few candidates have stated plans to wait until closer to the December petition filing deadline to make their selection - the hope is that their campaigns will be induced to "better define their priorities for voters and cover more ground as election season gets underway."[12]

On September 3, individuals aiming to qualify for a slot on the March 2014 primary ballot could officially begin gathering signatures.

Of the five candidates who have already declared their intention to oust current embattled incumbent Gov. Pat Quinn next year, most have expressed optimistic views on the new joint ticket process. Republican state Sen. Bill Brady, remarked that, “Two voices are stronger than one.” Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford, who is leaving his current post as state treasurer behind to seek Illinois' chief executive seat, said he has already decided on a running mate and will go public with the choice in the coming weeks. "My No. 1 priority was would this individual both in reality and perception-wise (among voters) be able to succeed me,” he said.[12]

First term incumbent Lt. Gov Sheila Simon (D) is eligible for re-election, but said earlier this year that she would not run for another term in the office in 2014. Instead, Simon said she would seek a new office that would allow her to have a "greater impact," and is now set to seek the office of state comptroller.[13][14] Subsequent to Simon's thinly veiled swipe at the office's unsatisfactory "impact" potential was the Illinois House of Representatives' approval, in April, of a proposal seeking to eliminate the position of lieutenant governor altogether by constitutional amendment. In order for the measure to be passed, it must win approval of both the State Senate and Illinois voters. If the proposal is approved in a statewide public vote, the office will remain intact for one final term following the 2014 election.[15]

Quinn said he’s looking for “a people person,” to replace Simon, and anticipates holding off on a decision until later in the fall.[12]

Appointments/Resignations

New Iowa Director of Education

New Director of Education Brad Buck

In August, Governor Terry Branstad (R) named Brad Buck to serve as the new Iowa Director of Education, relieving Duane Magee, who had been serving the office in an interim capacity since former director Jason Glass resigned to become superintendent of the Eagle County School District.[16] Buck took office on August 30. His appointment will run through the remainder of Glass' unexpired term, ending in January 2015.[17][18]

Buck began his career in education in 1992 as a middle school science teacher, moving from the classroom to administration five years later. He most recently served as superintendent of the Saydel Community School District in Des Moines. Buck is also a former president of School Administrators of Iowa.[19]

Pennsylvania Secretary of Education resigns

Former Secretary of Education William Harner

William Harner was appointed by Gov. Tom Corbett earlier this year to serve as Pennsylvania Secretary of Education after previous secretary Ronald Tomalis resigned to become Special Advisor to the Governor on Higher Education. Harner officially took over the role on an acting basis on June 1, 2013.

While still awaiting Senate confirmation, Harner abruptly resigned on August 26, 2013 at the request of Gov. Corbett. A spokeswoman for the governor would not comment, saying only "it is entirely a personnel matter." Details soon emerged indicating it had to do with a complaint lodged against Harner when he was head of the Cumberland Valley School District. Sources speaking on condition of anonymity said the matter involved an email Harner sent to a male administrator earlier in 2013, asking how he looked in a Speedo bathing suit. The employee then filed a complaint.[20]

In a statement, Harner said he was disappointed he would be unable to continue in the role, saying of the complaint, "It remains my understanding and belief that any complaints made during my tenure as superintendent were fully investigated and no matter was ever determined to be of merit or legal consequence." He went on to accuse those who disagreed with his methods of being responsible for his removal, stating, "detractors to my approach have succeeded in undermining my confirmation with a campaign of distortions. I regret that they have put their interests ahead of their children’s education."[21]

Carolyn Dumaresq, who was serving as the department's executive deputy secretary, was named as the new acting officeholder.[22] Harner’s resignation makes him the fifth statewide education administrator to resign this year.

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.[23] 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"[24] political reporters.[25][26]

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.[27]

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 current Governor Bob McDonnell. Bolling expressed more disappointment than surprise that Cuccinelli had chose to challenge him in the gubernatorial primary rather than be his lieutenant gubernatorial running-mate, noting "nothing he does surprises me."[28]

Bolling suspended his campaign on November 28, 2012, citing his slim chances beating tea party favorite and attorney general Ken Cuccinelli for the party's nomination. Bolling's withdrawal stems from a decision by Virginia Republicans to change their method for selecting gubernatorial nominees from open primary election to closed nominating convention.[29] Although Bolling was explicit about ending his pursuit of a place on the Republican ticket, he waited until March 12 before ruling out the possibility of running as an independent candidate instead.[30] 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.”[31] He later said he regretted dropping out of the race as early as he did.[32]

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.[33][34][35]

In response to the major party nominees, the Libertarian Party held a special convention and nominated Robert Sarvis as the party's official gubernatorial candidate.[36]

Like Cuccinelli and Sarvis, McAuliffe faced no primary contest. The three contenders will square off in the general election on November 5, 2013.[37]

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."[38] Still, the latest polls indicate the Democrat has not lost his edge.


Governor of Virginia
Poll Terry McAuliffe (D) Ken Cuccinelli (R)Robert Sarvis (L)UndecidedMargin of errorSample size
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 40.25% 36.5% 7.75% 13% +/-3.03 569.75
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
Poll Terry McAuliffe (D) Ken Cuccinelli (R)UndecidedMargin of errorSample size
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
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 41.82% 41% 16.27% +/-3.4 918.45
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.[39] 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.[40]

Jackson, a preacher in Chesapeake, was an unwelcome choice for the state's Republican establishment from the start thanks to his refusal to divert from, or water down the rhetoric of, his "liberty agenda." The agenda contains no 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. On Sept. 4, The Washington Post reported that his independent streak has extended to his behind the scenes campaign strategy by declining offers to take advantage of party's voter data tools and field office spaces- a "virtually unheard-of forfeiture of resources for a statewide candidate."[41]


Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
Poll Ralph Northam (D) E.W. Jackson (R)Not sureMargin of errorSample size
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 35.67% 30.67% 33.33% +/-4.03 599.33
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.[42]

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"[42] -- 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.[43] 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.[44][42]


Attorney General of Virginia
Poll Mark Herring (D) Mark Obenshain (R)Not sureMargin of errorSample size
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 33.33% 33.67% 32.33% +/-4.03 599.33
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

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.[45][46]

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.'"[47] Grossman and Webster were endorsed by the weekly publication NJ Today.[48]

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.[49][50] 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.[51][52] 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.[53]

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.[54] 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.[55] 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.[55][56]

The New Jersey gubernatorial election was rated by the Washington Post as one of the top five races to watch in 2013.[57]

General election

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

[58]

New Jersey Governor's Race 2013
Poll Barbara Buono (D) Chris Christie (R)UndecidedMargin of errorSample size
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 29.17% 57.17% 11.33% +/-3.05 1,129.83
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:

Notable candidates

This week in State Executive Trivia

252px-Question book-3 trans.png

Texas

Q. When was the last time a Democrat won election to a statewide position in Texas?

Answer: In 1994, three Democrats were elected to statewide office - Bob Bullock (Lieutenant Governor), Dan Morales (Attorney General) and John Sharp (Comptroller). Since then, Texas has not elected a Democrat to a statewide office, giving it the distinction of having gone longer than any other state.[76]

Democratic operatives are seeking to have a genuine shot in 2014, but before that can happen they’ll have to find candidates willing to run. So far, no Democratic candidates have declared for any of the seven statewide positions up for election next year. The party has rallied behind state Sen. Wendy Davis for governor, but she has yet to decided whether or not to run. State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte said she has been approached to run for lieutenant governor, but would not decide until Davis does.[77]


Footnotes

  1. ↑ ABC News, "RI Gov. Lincoln Chafee Won't Run for 2nd Term," September 4, 2013
  2. ↑ Brown Political Review, "BPR Talks with Gov. Lincoln Chafee (Video)," May 22, 2013
  3. ↑ Providence Journal, "Pollster: No scenario where R.I. Gov. Chafee could have won re-election," September 4, 2013
  4. ↑ WBEZ, “For GOP hopefuls, Labor Day is for politicking,” September 2, 2013
  5. ↑ Facebook, “Labor Day Laborpalooza,” September 2, 2013
  6. ↑ WCAX, Poll: NH governor Hassan remains popular, August 1, 2013
  7. ↑ Burlington Free Press, “Should Progressives Challenge Shumlin in 2014?” August 5, 2013
  8. ↑ BuzzFeed, “Democrats Predict Big Wins for 2014 Governor Races,” August 6, 2013
  9. ↑ Washington Post, "Gov. McDonnell described as aware of gifts from Virginia businessman," August 31, 2013
  10. ↑ MSNBC, “Threat of prosecution looms over Virginia’s McDonnell,” September 3, 2013
  11. ↑ Talking Points Memo, “ Another round of revelations in the McDonnell Scandal,” September 3, 2013
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 CBS Local - Chicago, "2014 Governor Candidates To Choose Running Mates," August 24, 2013
  13. ↑ Chicago Tribune, "Simon will not run again for lieutenant governor," February 13, 2013
  14. ↑ Chicago Magazine, "What Happens After Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon Quits Pat Quinn’s Team," March 26, 2013
  15. ↑ The Chicago Tribune, "House votes to eliminate lieutenant governor post," April 12, 2013
  16. ↑ Office of the Governor of Iowa Terry Branstad, "Branstad names D.T. Magee as interim director of the Iowa Department of Education," June 18, 2013
  17. ↑ Iowa Department of Education, "Statement from State Board of Education President Rosie Hussey on Director Glass," May 22, 2013
  18. ↑ The Gazette, "Glass leaving Iowa Department of Education post," May 22, 2013
  19. ↑ Iowa Department of Education, “ About the Director,” accessed September 4, 2013
  20. ↑ Philly.com, "Pa. education secretary ousted over allegation," August 27, 2013
  21. ↑ PENN Live, "Ousted acting Education Secretary William Harner issues statement about his accomplishments and firing," August 26, 2013
  22. ↑ Penn Live, "Carolyn Dumaresq named acting Pa. education secretary, replacing William Harner," August 26, 2013
  23. ↑ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Wisconsin April 2 election results," accessed April 3, 2013
  24. ↑ The Republic, "GOP education superintendent candidate's campaign blacklists 5 Wisconsin reporters," March 17, 2013
  25. ↑ Walworth County Today, "Wisconsin superintendent candidates to debate," March 12, 2013 (dead link)
  26. ↑ WisPolitics, "Pridemore Campaign: Pridemore vows to eliminate DPI mascot policy," March 28, 2013
  27. ↑ Wisconsin Government Accountability Board, "Canvass Certification: 2013 Spring Election," accessed April 18, 2013
  28. ↑ Richmond Times Dispatch, "Bolling on Cuccinelli: 'Nothing he does surprises me'," December 6, 2011
  29. ↑ The Washington Post, "GOP Fratricide in Virginia," December 1, 2012
  30. ↑ Washington Post, "Bill Bolling decides not to seek GOP nomination for VA governor," November 28, 2012
  31. ↑ The Roanoke Times, "Could Bolling run for governor as an independent?" November 28, 2102
  32. ↑ The Richmond Times-Dispatch, "Bolling regrets dropping out of the race so soon," April 22, 2013
  33. ↑ The Collegian, "Obama victory could cost Democrats Virginia governorship," November 15, 2012
  34. ↑ NBC 12- Decision Virginia 2013, "Transportation battle creates awkward political triangle," March 26, 2013
  35. ↑ Washington Post, "Cuccinelli vs. McAuliffe: Virginia governor’s race holds the eyes of the nation," March 29, 2013
  36. ↑ Independent Political Report, "Robert Sarvis Receives Libertarian Party of Virginia Nomination for Governor in 2013," accessed April 27, 2013
  37. ↑ Associated Press - abc7.com, "Terry McAuliffe qualifies for Virginia June Democratic primary ballot," March 27, 2013
  38. ↑ The New York Times, "Clouds Spread to Democratic Side of Virginia Governor’s Race," August 2, 2013
  39. ↑ Blue Virginia, "Virginia Primary Election Results Live Blog," June 11, 2013
  40. ↑ The Washington Post, "Va. GOP settles on Cuccinelli, Obenshain and Jackson for November ballot," May 19, 2013
  41. ↑ The Washington Post, "Jackson keeps GOP establishment at arm's length in Va. lieutenant governor campaign," September 4, 2013
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 42.2 Governing, "The 2013-2014 Attorneys General Races: Who's Vulnerable?" March 25, 2013
  43. ↑ The Washington Post, "Va. GOP settles on Cuccinelli, Obenshain and Jackson for November ballot," May 19, 2013
  44. ↑ Blue Virginia, "Virginia Primary Election Results Live Blog," June 11, 2013
  45. ↑ NJToday, "Primary election results," accessed June 5, 2013
  46. ↑ Politickernj.com, "Christie and Buono wrap yawner primary season," June 4, 2013
  47. ↑ Elect Troy Webster Official Campaign Website, "Biography," accessed June 4, 2013
  48. ↑ NJ Today, "EDITORIAL: Troy Webster For Governor," April 14, 2013
  49. ↑ NorthJersey.com, "Barbara Buono picks union leader Milly Silva as running mate," July 25, 2013
  50. ↑ Barbara Buono and Milly Silva 2013 Official Campaign website, "Press Releases: Buono Names Milly Silva Candidate for Lieutenant Governor," July 29, 2013
  51. ↑ PolitickerNJ, "Christie and Buono wrap yawner primary season," June 4, 2013
  52. ↑ ‘’NJ News 12 “Poll: Christie remains popular in NJ” accessed April 15, 2013
  53. ↑ New Jersey Department of State Elections Division, "Statewide Voter Registration Summary," May 7, 2013
  54. ↑ NJ.com, "Sen. Buono raises almost $250K in first month of campaigning," January 2, 2013
  55. ↑ 55.0 55.1 The Star-Ledger, "Buono qualifies for public matching funds in N.J. governor's race," February 4, 2013
  56. ↑ NorthJersey.com, "Christie campaign participating in public financing program," August 20, 2013
  57. ↑ Washington Post, "The 5 best races of 2013," November 30, 2012
  58. ↑ New Jersey Division of Elections, "Candidates for Governor - Official List," June 28, 2013
  59. ↑ 59.0 59.1 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
  60. ↑ NorthJersey.com, "Democrat Barbara Buono running for governor in NJ," December 11, 2012
  61. ↑ 61.0 61.1 61.2 61.3 61.4 New Jersey State Board of Elections, "Primary candidate list for 2013 Governor," accessed April 4, 2013 (dead link)
  62. ↑ The Associated Press, "Governor Christie Announces Re-Election Bid," November 26, 2012
  63. ↑ Politico, "Report: Cory Booker may take on Chris Christie," August 24, 2012
  64. ↑ 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
  65. ↑ The Star-Leger, "Sen. Richard Codey says he won't run for governor after weighing a campaign," accessed January 25, 2013
  66. ↑ West Deptford Patch, "Steve Sweeney Won’t Run for Governor in ’13," January 28, 2013
  67. ↑ The Star-Ledger, "Sen. Sweeney to run for governor if Cory Booker declines, sources say," November 28, 2012
  68. ↑ The Huffington Post, "Steve Sweeney Considering Race For Governor Of New Jersey Against Chris Christie," December 6, 2012
  69. ↑ NJ.com, "Sen. Buono raises almost $250K in first month of campaigning," January 2, 2013
  70. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named quinpolll
  71. ↑ Rutgers-Eagleton Poll, November 27, 2012
  72. ↑ Huffington Post, "Nikki Haley Still Undecided On Re-election Bid In 2014," June 24, 2013
  73. ↑ The Washington Post, "Republican Charlie Baker announces run for governor," September 4, 2013
  74. ↑ The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "Your Daily Jolt: John Barge kicks off gubernatorial run today," September 3, 2013
  75. ↑ The Augusta Chronicle, "Stokes to challenge Deal for governor," August 31, 2013
  76. ↑ PolitiFact, “Joaquin Castro says Texas has gone the longest of all states not electing a Democrat to statewide office,” September 2012
  77. ↑ Dallas News, “ Texas Democrats look for statewide candidates to run on ticket with Wendy Davis,” August 28, 2013
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