The close presidential race met its match in statehouse races Nov. 7. National political parties were keenly interested because legislatures in 44 states will redistrict congressional seats based on new census figures. States have taken the lead in addressing issues that were the focus of the presidential campaign from affordable prescription drugs to educating young people.
States are where the action is today in government.
Few changes occurred in the gubernatorial balance of power nationwide. Democrats won eight of the 11 governorships at stake, taking over the Republican seat in West Virginia. That win gives Democrats control of 19 governorships next year, while Republicans hold 29 and two are held by Independents. The ranks of female governors doubled with election of Democrat Ruth Ann Minner, currently lieutenant governor, in Delaware and Republican Lt. Gov. Judy Martz in Montana.