Few Changes in the Nation's Statehouses

WHILE AMERICANS VOTED DECISIVELY FOR CHANGE IN the White House, they rejected it in the Governors' mansions. Neither women nor candidates who challenged incumbents could claim a single victory. Even so, the Democrats increased their governorships from 28 to 30, while the Republican total dropped from 20 to 18 (two Governors are independents).

A pro-incumbent mood kept Democrats in power in Indiana, Vermont, West Virginia and Rhode Island. In staunchly Republican Indiana, Democrat Evan Bayh, 36, remained America's youngest Governor, winning nearly two-thirds of the vote. Former North Carolina Governor Jim Hunt returned to power, riding plans for crime fighting and...