Elections to Watch Tonight

Today is primary day in a handful of states. Here are four races that I'm watching:

Missouri Governor: The Republicans are picking their candidate to take on Democrat Jay Nixon, the state attorney general. One recent poll gave Rep. Kenny Hulshof the lead over State Treasurer Sarah Steelman. It also indicated that Hulshof would be a slightly stronger candidate in the general election.

Michigan 13th District, U.S. House of Representatives: Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, a six-term member of Congress, is trying to survive the Democratic primary in this Detroit-based seat. She is embattled Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's mother, so, if she loses, that will suggest that Detroit voters have turned strongly against the mayor. I'm starting to wonder whether Gov. Jennifer Granholm could earn some much-needed goodwill by booting Mayor Kilpatrick out of office.

Missouri Attorney General: Both parties have competitive primaries. I'm betting that Rebecca Bowman Nassikas will be watching especially closely.

Johnson County, Kansas District Attorney: The esteemed Alan Greenblatt offered a preview of Phill Kline's reelection bid (third item) in the current issue of Governing:

Defeated politicians often contemplate revenge, but few have taken it as swiftly or as completely as Phill Kline. He was denied a second term as Kansas attorney general two years ago by Paul Morrison, who was then the Johnson County district attorney. But Kline not only took over Morrison's old job. He also launched a criminal investigation of Morrison's activities.

For all that, Kline still can't count on having the last laugh. Johnson County voters seem likely to oust him from office yet again-- perhaps as early as this month.

Elizabeth Daigneau

Elizabeth Daigneau is GOVERNING's managing editor.

E-mail: edaigneau@governing.com
Twitter: @governing

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