New York

New York is the only state whose ballot includes two Senate races, along with several House races that could be close. Empire State voters will choose a new governor, too. Polls indicate Democrats will hang on to both Senate seats, as Chuck Schumer goes for his fourth term and Kirsten Gillibrand seeks a full term in a special election. Gov. David Paterson appointed her to the Senate last year when Hillary Clinton became secretary of state. Paterson, who has endured a rocky two years as governor since succeeding Eliot Spitzer in the wake of a sex scandal, decided not to seek a full term. Instead, Democrat Andrew Cuomo faces Republican Carl Paladino, a tea party favorite. Several Democrats are in competitive House races, including incumbents Scott Murphy in the 20th District, Bill Owens in the 23rd and Mike Arcuri in the 24th. The contest for the 29th District seat, vacated by Democrat Eric Massa's resignation, is also likely to be close. Obama won New York in 2008.