Political Cortex: Brain Food for the Body Politic

With all the excitement of the 'sea change' in Washington, the Democrat's incredible gains in governorships has gone largely overlooked. This is particularly important, since 1) Governors usually provide a political and fundraising infrastructure and an electoral advantage to it's party in that state, and 2) Over the last 50 years, Governorships have proven the most reliable pool of potential - and eventually successful - presidential candidates for both parties.

This cycle, Democrats took a majority of the governorships in the nation for the first time in 12 years, taking six seats from Republicans - including one incumbent Republican (MD) and five seats left open by outgoing Republicans:

Maryland: Baltimore Mayor Martin O'Malley defeated Maryland Gov. Bob Ehrlich (R) 53%-46%

New York: Attorney General Eliot Spitzer (D) defeated John Faso (R) 69%-29%, taking a seat long held by Republican George Pataki.

Ohio: Rep. Ted Strickland (D) crushed Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell (R), winning 60%-37%.

Massachusetts: Deval Patrick (D) handed defeat to Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey (R) 56%-35% to capture the job being vacated by Gov. Mitt Romney (R)

Arkansas: Attorney General Mike Beebe (D) defeated Asa Hutchinson (R) 55%-41%.

Colorado: Bill Ritter (D) defeated Rep. Bob Beauprez (R) 56%-41%

Though Republicans had the governorship of Iowa, Oregon, Wisconsin, and Michigan in their crosshairs, Democrats were able to hold on to every one.