But as governors prepare to travel to Biloxi, Mississippi, for their annual meeting later this week, maybe they'll want to wear name tags, at least.
Between resignations, impeachment and presidential appointments, there are currently four former lieutenant governors who have taken over the top spot since their state's last election. These include Pat Quinn of Illinois, David Paterson of New York, Mark Parkinson of Kansas and Jan Brewer of Arizona.
This list is going to grow soon. Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. looks likely to be confirmed as ambassador to China before the Senate's August recess. And, of course, Sarah Palin of Alaska will be stepping down by the end of the month.
And there will be still more new faces in the coming months and years. Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine is term-limited out of office this year. Next year will see no fewer than 37 gubernatorial elections (the normally scheduled 36, plus a special in Utah).
By my count, 15 of the governorships will be open next year due to term limits. In addition, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty has already announced he will not seek a third term, while Charlie Crist of Florida, whose term will end next year, has already announced his run for the U.S. Senate in stead.
So gubernatorial scorecards are going to need a lot of updating.
