Nevada: Battle for the Statehouse

Incumbent: Gov. Jim Gibbons was defeated in the Republican primary

Democrat: Rory Reid, Clark County commissioner (Harry Reid's son)

Republican: Former state Attorney General Brian Sandoval

2008 Presidential Result: Obama 55%; McCain 43%

55+ Population (2009 estimate): 22.8 percent

Overview: Brian Sandoval proved his mettle by shoving Jim Gibbons from the governor's chair and is poised to do the same to Rory Reid, despite Reid's familial ties (which may actually be more of a hindrance than a help). The overriding issue is the state's $3 billion budget deficit. Sandoval has proposed cutting $500 million with a 4 percent salary cut to state workers and teachers and taking $100 million away from school construction, among other plans. Reid has concentrated on an education plan for the state, including more teacher training and reform programs he says would be "revenue neutral."

50+ Facts: Check the latest economic statistics and details on the state budget deficit.

Fun Fact: To put some distance between his father's struggling reelection campaign for the Senate, Rory Reid is "deemphasizing" his last name—using "Rory" instead.

'Wild Card' Issue: Hispanics. Reid speaks Spanish and held rallies planned around World Cup Soccer matches to court Hispanic voters. Sandoval, despite his Hispanic heritage, doesn't speak the language.

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