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Democrats Build on Momentum from 2006, Win in Bush Territory

Democrat Defeats Incumbent GOP Governor in Kentucky

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Governors Association (DGA) Chair Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius this evening congratulated Gov.-elect Steve Beshear for winning Kentucky’s governorship. Gov.-elect Beshear defeated GOP Gov. Ernie Fletcher, continuing the Democratic momentum from 2006.

“My fellow Democratic governors and I congratulate Steve Beshear for his impressive victory in Kentucky,” Gov. Sebelius said. “Steve brought forth a message of restoring honesty and integrity to government, and voters overwhelmingly responded to his brand of leadership. We look forward to welcoming him to the ranks of Democratic governors.”

The three races for governor this year – in Kentucky, Mississippi, and Louisiana – were in states that voted for President Bush by double digit margins. “The story of 2007 is about Democrats waging strong campaigns deep in Bush territory,” Gov. Sebelius added. “The landscape this year was formidable, but tonight voters reaffirmed that their appetite for Democratic leadership reaches into every corner of the country.”

“Democrats continued the momentum from last year’s landslide election, and the DGA is in a great position for 2008 and beyond,” Gov. Sebelius said.

DGA Executive Director Nathan Daschle said, “Kentucky was our top priority for the year, and we are thrilled that one more state has enthusiastically voted for Democratic leadership. We held the Republicans on their own turf this year, and we are now in a great position to go on the offensive in 2008.”

“In the home state of the RNC Chairman, Kentucky voters tonight put an end to four years of Republican corruption and incompetence,” Daschle continued. “This is bad news for vulnerable Republican governors running for re-election in 2008. The three people most disappointed in tonight’s results are Ernie Fletcher, Matt Blunt, and Mitch Daniels.”

“The national trend is clear. Democrats are winning in ‘red’ and ‘blue’ states,” Gov. Sebelius said. Fifteen of the 28 Democratic governors serve in states that voted for Bush in 2004. Only six states with Republican governors voted for Kerry.

Gov. Sebelius said, “With bipartisan support, Democratic governors are initiating innovative changes and effectively governing in states across the country. It’s a good sign for working families across the country that more citizens are turning toward Democratic leadership.”

Gov. Sebelius will conclude her term as DGA Chair next month. Under her leadership, the DGA has seen unprecedented success. The DGA is on track to smash its previous fundraising record for year one in a four-year gubernatorial cycle with $9.3 million. The DGA has also launched an innovative, four-year political strategy called Project 2010. This strategy calls for switching to a four-year planning cycle to better prepare for the uneven distribution of gubernatorial races. By planning early for the 49 gubernatorial races that will take place between now and 2010, including 36 in the final year alone, the DGA is in a great position to build on its 28-seat majority over the next three years.”

DGA Chair Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius congratulated Gov.-elect Steve Beshear for winning Kentucky’s governorship. Gov.-elect Beshear defeated GOP Gov. Ernie Fletcher, continuing the Democratic momentum from 2006. The three races for governor this year – in Kentucky, Mississippi, and Louisiana – were in states that voted for President Bush by double digit margins. “The story of 2007 is about Democrats waging strong campaigns deep in Bush territory,” Gov. Sebelius added. “The landscape this year was formidable, but tonight voters reaffirmed that their appetite for Democratic leadership reaches into every corner of the country.”

Copyright & Paid for by The Democratic Governors Association

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