Gubernatorial Races Have Dems on the Defensive

The donkey party is at a disadvantage over open seats and hot contests

The race for New Hampshire governor has the hallmarks of the biggest gubernatorial races this fall: heavy involvement from outside groups, a national contest stealing the spotlight and messages that echo themes from this year's presidential campaigns.

Money is already pouring into gubernatorial races in New Hampshire, North Carolina, Montana, Washington state and West Virginia, and the campaigns are just getting up to full speed.