(Washington, DC) -- Republicans are hoping for a big day today in three election contests.

New Jersey Democratic Governor Jon Corzine is in a very tough re-election fight against Republican Chris Christie.

Democrats are hoping independent candidate Chris Daggett pulls enough votes from Christie to help Corzine achieve re-election.

Meantime, Republican Robert McDonnell is expected to defeat Democrat Creigh Deeds in Virginia's open gubernatorial contest.

Losing both gubernatorial races would be a blow to President Obama as he seeks to promote an aggressive and expensive agenda that includes healthcare and energy reform.

It would also be a blow to outgoing Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, who chairs the Democratic National Committee.

A race to fill an open U.S. House seat in New York is in the national spotlight in a fight among Republicans.

State Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava, the Republican nominee in the 23rd Congressional District, dropped out over the weekend amid a groundswell of support for Conservative Party Candidate Doug Hoffman.

Notable GOP conservatives, including former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, got involved in the race and complained Scozzafava is not conservative enough.

New York's 23rd is a conservative district and Hoffman is expected to defeat Democrat Bill Owens, though late polls show a tight race.

In a race to fill another open House seat, Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi is expected to defeat Republican David Harmer in California's 10th Congressional District.

　

(Copyright 2009 by VERTEXNews/Newsroom Solutions)