2004 gubernatorial elections.(SYMPOSIUM: Aftermath of 2004 Elections)

In the 2004 gubernatorial elections, all 11 incumbent governors were eligible to seek re-election. However, three of the incumbents decided not to seek another term--Judy Martz (R-Montana), Gary Locke (D-Washington) and Bob Wise (D-West Virginia). Locke was finishing up his second term as governor while Martz and Wise were in their first and only terms. While their reasons for not seeking re-election varied, one common factor was apparent. In state level polls, each of the three had low job approval ratings. Their most recent ratings--Martz 20 percent positive, Locke 33 percent positive, Wise 39 percent positive--were well below the average positive ratings of 55 percent ...