• Connecticut — Dan Malloy (D): Malloy, yet another 2010 squeaker winner, inherited serious budget problems when he came into office, and he chose to resolve them by relying largely on tax hikes rather than spending cuts. That "easy" choice has hurt him in the polls, though Connecticut's clear Democratic lean provides a buffer. Malloy hasn't actually declared for a second term, but if he does, he could face a rematch with wealthy former Ambassador Tom Foley. A number of other Republicans are running or considering bids, though, so we may see the primary yield a different nominee.

Daily Kos: Daily Kos Elections gubernatorial race ratings: Initial ratings for 2013-14