This fall there are several gubernatorial races featuring women as the Republican candidates. Unfortunately, there are not as many women in the governors' offices as at some times in the past, but there is still reason to be excited about these races.

In four states, New Mexico, California, South Carolina, and Georgia, the primaries are over, and on the Republican tickets, women won the primaries. In three other states, Wyoming, Oklahoma and New Hampshire, the primaries are coming up, and possible candidates on the Republican side are women.

Notably, in New Mexico, both the Democrat and Republican candidates are female. Of course, since this is the Republican Party site, I am hoping that the Republican candidate, Susana Martinez, wins.

Historically speaking, more presidents have come from governor's offices than any other office, so the fact that there are fewer women governors at this time than at other times in the past does not bode well for future presidential races. Let's get some of these women elected this fall and change the future.

Definitely, there is still reason to be excited about the fall elections. With the tide turning in the country, and with several of the gubernatorial races having no incumbent running for re-election, there is a real opportunity for Republican candidates to take over some states. For example, Arnold Schwarzenegger has reached the term limits and cannot run again. In a state that voted just over 60% for Obama in 2008, the fact that the current governor is a Republican may signal that there is still a good shot for Meg Whitman, the Republican candidate, this time. We can hope so.

Because governors manage entire state budgets and, therefore, the economies to a great extent, the office is ideal for a stepping-stone to the presidency. It also can provide fodder to opponents because governors must make difficult budget decisions, and either way the decisions go can be criticized. But at least they have made decisions and stood for something.

One more thing: with the internet today, even state races have become national. You can contribute money to candidates in other states if you want to and have the means. Or at least join our forum and talk about the great Republican candidates (especially those who are also women) running for office this fall.