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2011 ELECTION REVIEW

In 2011, Democratic incumbents in Kentucky and Mississippi won re-election.

There are 11 races in 2012 – five open seat elections (MT, PA, UT, OR and WA), five incumbents likely seeking reelection (MO, NC, IN, VT and WV), and 1 AG elected by the state legislature (ME).

Indiana
Republican Attorney General Greg Zoeller (R) has received positive reviews for his first term performance.  Hoosier Democrats are jockeying for the open gubernatorial spot in the 2012. 

Maine
In 2010 a switch of partisan control in the state legislature changed the attorney general from Democrat to Republican. Republicans have a very slight partisan edge so Democrats are hopeful -- in a high turnout presidential year – they can retake the legislature.  This is a key pick up opportunity for DAGA in 2012.

Missouri
Attorney General Chris Koster (D) will seek a second term based on his strong record of accomplishment.  The Missouri GOP will look to capitalize on recent gains in a high turnout presidential year.  As usual, Missouri will be a key battleground state for President Obama as repeat victories in states such as Indiana, Virginia and North Carolinas look more challenging.

Montana
Attorney General Steve Bullock (D) recently made it official – he is running for governor to succeed outgoing Governor Brian Schweitzer (D) who is term-limited.  State Sen. Jesse Laslovich (D) and Montana Department of Labor attorney Pam Bucy (D) are both expected to make bids for the Democratic nomination for attorney general.

North Carolina
Incumbent Roy Cooper (D) will seek a fourth term in 2012. An extremely well regarded veteran in North Carolina General Cooper expects well funded Republican opposition.  

Oregon
General Kroger (D) announced earlier this fall that he will not seek reelection in 2012 due to a diagnosed illness. The announcement came as a surprise to Oregon Democrats. Likely candidates include former acting U.S. Attorney Dwight Holton, senior assistant Attorney General Donna Maddux, retired Judge Ellen Rosenblum and possibility former Rep. Greg Macpherson, who was defeated by Kroger in the 2008 Democratic primary for the post.

Pennsylvania
Governor Tom Corbett appointed attorney Linda Kelly to fill his position as state Attorney General. General Kelly has announced she will follow in the tradition of Pennsylvania appointees and not run for election in 2012. Three Democrats have announced they will seek the seat: former U.S. Representative Patrick Murphy, former District Attorney Kathleen Granahan Kane, and attorney Dan McCaffery.  A Democrat has never won election as attorney general since it became an elective office thirty years ago but DAGA sees this as key pick up opportunity in 2012.

Utah
Attorney General Mark Shurtleff (R) has fueled speculation that he will not seek reelection in 2012. He was first elected in 2000. General Shurtleff initially announced he would seek the US Senate seat in the 2010 elections, but pulled out in late 2009 due to family concerns. There are no potential candidates at this time.

Vermont
Veteran incumbent William Sorrell (D) was recently reelected to his 8th term in 2010, and will be up again in 2012. 

Washington
Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna is running for Governor leaving the office of attorney general open. It looks like King County councilmember Reagan Dunn (R) will face Democratic King County councilmember Bob Ferguson (D). Both candidates have worked together for many years and analysts expect the race to remain a toss-up. This is another key pick up opportunity for DAGA in a high turnout year.

West Virginia
Five-term incumbent Darrell McGraw (D) has a popular following in West Virginia and has announced he will seek a sixth term.  Republican attorneys Mark Plants and Hiram Lewis may challenge McGraw.  As in 2008 McGraw will draw fire from well funded third parties.