http://www.governing.com/authors/rss/rss/?a=97677999 Louis Jacobson is a GOVERNING contributor. http://www.governing.com/blogs/politics/gov-party-switching-help-hurt-politicians-career.html After Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee joined the Democratic Party in May -- his second switch in six years -- we looked back at how other politicians have fared since a switch. http://www.governing.com/blogs/politics/gov-how-weak-gop-republican-party-blue-states.html Just about as weak as Democrats are in the reddest states. http://www.governing.com/blogs/politics/gov-democrat-howard-deans-fifty-state-strategy.html Despite opposition from national Democrats, the former Vermont governor's bid to build up party infrastructure in every state was a success in the unlikeliest of places -- at least while it lasted. http://www.governing.com/blogs/politics/gov-states-deepening-nations-red-blue-divide.html Some Democratic and Republican states are pushing more ideological policies, but not all. http://www.governing.com/blogs/politics/gov-successful-lieutenant-governors-seeking-governorship.html Not as successful at moving into the governor's seat as one might think, according to an analysis of data from the past quarter century. http://www.governing.com/blogs/politics/gov-handicapping-attorneys-general-2013-2014-whos-vulnerable.html Last week, we revealed who wasn't in danger. Now find out which 10 AG seats are competitive. http://www.governing.com/blogs/politics/gov-handicapping-attorneys-general-2013-2014-not-vulnerable.html More than 30 attorneys general seats are up for election in 2013-2014. But a whooping 21 are not competitive. http://www.governing.com/blogs/politics/Where-Have-All-the-Governors-Gone.html Why don't more governors seek federal office? http://www.governing.com/blogs/politics/gov-ready-next-governor-scandal.html It's been three years since a governor has been mired in scandal. Here are a few possible reasons for the political calm. http://www.governing.com/blogs/politics/gov-state-republican-officials-watch-2013.html Using a specific set of criteria, we've come up with a list of up-and-coming state officials from multiple fields. This week, we look at the Republican field. http://www.governing.com/blogs/politics/gov-ramifications-changing-electoral-college.html Some states are considering a change in how they allocate their electoral votes, but the change may not be good for governance. http://www.governing.com/blogs/politics/gov-state-democratic-public-officials-watch.html Using a specific set of criteria, we've come up with a list of up-and-coming state officials from multiple fields. This week, we look at the Democratic field. http://www.governing.com/blogs/politics/gov-year-single-party-control-supermajorities.html The trend suggests fiercely partisan legislatures, but the reality may be more nuanced. http://www.governing.com/blogs/politics/gov-2013-2014-governors-races-whos-not-vulnerable.html These 22 governors appear to be in good shape to be reelected in 2014. How did they manage it? http://www.governing.com/blogs/politics/gov-2013-2014-governors-races-potentially-vulnerable.html In this installment, Louis Jacobson looks at the 10 governors on the hot seat. Plus, why the GOP has the early edge in the balance of power.