I think right now it is a serious race and it's a competitive race, but it is somewhat on hold because I think a majority of people are waiting to see how things are playing out in the courts, how the charges are settled.
The Democrats have a definite chance of pulling even, and have a good chance of pulling over 50 percent.
Gibbons is at somewhat of an advantage because he represents such a huge chunk of the state. He starts with some name ID that other candidates don't start with, so they may have to start (advertising) earlier.
Shelley Moore Capito was the top recruit for Republicans. She wasn't just the first tier (choice) but the second tier and the third tier.
Generally, gubernatorial races are somewhat insular from the national environment. If there is an environment where voters want change it's a state like Nevada, where Republicans have been in control the last couple of terms. They may look to the other party as a party of change.
It's a mix of factors rather than a sweeping reason why these seats are particularly vulnerable.
She needs to convince more independents and moderate voters that she is not the knee-jerk Republican that people think she is. That would require her to undo history.
Does corruption make it closer? I think it does. But Democrats still think this district is tough.
I don't think there is any question that Senator Clinton is trying to spread her appeal beyond New York and is using the DLC and other platforms as a method of doing that.
