More Women Running For Governor

B O S T O N, Oct. 4 -- President Bush and his 2000 rival, Al Gore, were out politicking today for two high-profile gubernatorial candidates — one a man, the other a woman.

Political pundits nationwide are paying close attention to this race. The Republican candidate, Mitt Romney, is a successful businessman and organizer of the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, who has been mentioned as a possible presidential contender if he can take the Massachusetts State House.

Women's groups are paying close attention because the Democratic candidate, Shannon O'Brien, would be the first woman ever elected governor in the Bay State.

Female chief executives have been much scarcer in state capitols than in the corporate world. Historical researchers say more than 2,000 men have served as governors compared to 19 women — five of whom are in office today.

This year, however, 10 women are running for governorships.

Seeking the Gender Advantage

In Massachusetts, Romney took an early lead in the polls, which came as no surprise to many Republicans. With his anchorman good looks and impressive résumé, Republicans thought he might cruise to election. But new polls show the race as a virtual deadlock.

O'Brien's strength has been the overwhelming support of women. She told ABCNEWS: "I certainly think I have an advantage with women voters."

Faced with a serious gender gap, Romney in his ads and personal appearances has tried to appeal to women voters. In his debates with O'Brien, Romney has avoided harsh attacks. As every political consultant knows, women do not like to see men bullying women.

All this has meant that so far, in a state where politics is usually a contact sport, this race has actually focused on issues such as the economy, health care, and education.

Although O'Brien would be the first elected female governor in Massachusetts, Republican Jane Swift already sits in that office on Beacon Hill.