Top 5 governorships most likely to change party: Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Indiana, Washington

WP political blog, "The Fix," by Chris Cillizza
The Line: Will Vitter Fallout Affect La. Gov. Race?

After a one-week hiatus from The Line due to vacation, we're back with a look at the five most competitive governor's races in the country....As always, the number one ranked race is the most likely to switch parties....

5.Washington....

4. Indiana: Count us impressed by Indianapolis architect Jim Schellinger's (D) early fundraising returns. He announced late last month that he had raised $1 million in the first few months of his campaign -- a solid total for a first time candidate and a reflection of Schellinger's institutional support. Schellinger will face a real primary challenge in the form of former Rep. Jill Long Thompson (D) who formally entered the race earlier this week. Thompson starts in a fundraising hole but support from the powerhouse money-bundling group EMILY's List should help her be competitive. Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) will run a competent and well-financed campaign but it's clear that voters in the state are at least willing to consider alternatives. If Schellinger is the nominee, this could be a barn burner, (Previous ranking: 4)

3. Missouri: It's no secret that Gov. Matt Blunt's (R) support for a 2006 constitutional amendment on stem-cell research hurt him among ardent pro-lifers who make up a significant portion of the Republican base. So, it makes sense that Blunt is already up with radio ads touting his pro-life credentials and seeking to paint state Attorney General Jay Nixon (D) as far too liberal in his views on choice. The early ads show that Blunt knows he is in for a tough race and is trying to firm up his base in the early going so that he can turn the contest into a partisan battle, believing that Missouri tends to lean toward Republicans. (Previous ranking: 3)

2. Louisiana: This race drops from the top spot on The Line for two main reasons. First, Boasso is showing a willingness to put huge sums of his own money on television, a decision that at least gives Democrats some hope. Second, it's still too early to know whether the problems surrounding Vitter, who was an early and strong supporter of Jindal, will bleed over into the governor's race. We tend to doubt it but far stranger things have happened. If you haven't had a chance to check out Boasso's ads -- funded by more than $1 million from his own pocket -- do so. They're unique, which should help Boasso cut through the clutter. Boasso's increased presence in the race creates the possibility that Jindal will not be able to win the 50 percent he needs on Oct. 20 to avoid a runoff. And, in a runoff all bets are, well, off. Jindal is still the strong favorite, however. (Previous ranking: 1)

1. Kentucky: It's getting ugly down in the Bluegrass State. Gov. Ernie Fletcher (R) called for a special session of the state legislature only to be rebuffed by the Democratic-controlled state House who refused to go back into session. The local press cast it as yet another blow to Fletcher's chances at re-election; legendary Louisville Courier-Journal columnist Al Cross called the session a "farce" and added that Fletcher had "squandered his potential goodwill by loading up the session with political items:" Ouch. We don't underestimate Fletcher, especially after the stellar primary campaign he ran against former Rep. Anne Northup. But the deck appears stacked against him. Barring some sort of major mistake by former Lt. Gov. Steve Beshear (D) this race looks like like a Democratic pickup. (Previous ranking: 2)

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/thefix/2007/07/friday_governors_line_1.html

Senior political strategist Karl Rove appeared at an April 21, 2000 fundraiser in Springfield

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Blunt

The property tax mess going on right now is dragging him down fast. Mr. Daniels was *'s Budget Director before becoming our Governor, and the stench has followed him here!