Dems Poised to Attain Majority of Governorships

For the first time since the 1994 Republican landslide, Democrats are poised to attain a majority of the nation's governorships, an important political toehold regardless of who wins the battle to control Congress.

Election handicappers forecast Democratic gains of four to eight seats out of the 36 on the Nov. 7 ballot, with the Republican-held governor's chairs in New York and Ohio considered most likely to switch parties. The Democrats need to gain four governorships for a national majority.