Dems seek success in Washington, states

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- The stumbling U.S. economy and Barack Obama's lead in presidential polls could set up Democrats to take control at state and national levels, an analyst said.

At the state level, Democrats have a 28-22 advantage in governorships and control 57 of the 98 chambers in 49 states, Tim Storey, an elections expert at the National Conference of State Legislatures said. Nebraska's unicameral legislature isn't counted because it's non-partisan.

The last time Democrats controlled the White House, Congress and the majorities of governorships and state legislatures was during the first two years of the Bill Clinton's presidency, Stateline.org reported Monday.

Tuesday, 11 governor's races are on the ballot but three are being watched, Stateline.com reported.

In the state of Washington, polls indicate Republican challenger Dino Rossi could topple incumbent Democratic Gov. Christine Gregoire in a replay of a bitter 2004 race between the two.

In North Carolina, Republican candidate and Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory, in a virtual tie with Democratic Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue in the contest to replace Democratic Gov. Mike Easley, who can't seek re-election because of term limits.

The third governor's race being watched in Indiana, where incumbent Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels, a former budget director for President George Bush, who has a been leading in most polls over Democrat Jill Long Thompson, a former U.S. House member.