Baird is leading the charge to form a new state from rural counties in Northern California and Southern Oregon , though he certainly was n't the only voice in support of the move . While those state races remain too close to call , Republicans are expected to wrest the North Carolina governorship from Democratic control , and to easily win GOP - held seats in Utah , North Dakota and Indiana . To be a winner in the business market  Microsoft is buying Nokia 's cell phone business and licensing its patent portfolio , according to both companies . Republicans currently hold 29 governorships , Democrats have 20 , and Rhode Island 's Gov. GOP Eyes Gains As Voters In 11 States Pick Governors Enlarge this image toggle caption Jim Cole / AP Jim Cole / AP Voters in 11 states will pick their governors tonight , and Republicans appear on track to increase their numbers by at least one , with the potential to extend their hold to more than two - thirds of the nation 's top state offices . Eight of the gubernatorial seats up for grabs today are now held by Democrats ; three are in Republican hands . Polls and race analysts suggest that only three of tonight 's contests are considered competitive , all in states where incumbent Democratic governors are n't running again : Montana , New Hampshire and Washington . The story , in hindsight , is simple : Nokia did not have a truly compelling smartphone ready when a large segment of the developed world was first compelled by smartphones . First of all , with regards to the picture : The photo which was used to illustrate my first post about the John Snow Kiss - In is a promotional still from the British soap opera “ Eastenders . We also have  The Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors voted 4 - 1 on Tuesday to support the county 's split from the state of California . Its acquisition of most of Nokia is the latest acceleration of that strategy — to move further away from the moribund world of the beige desktop and towards the sunlit world of smartphones and tablets . We need our own state so we can make laws that fit our way of life . " Summary : Microsoft 's acquisition of Nokia is aimed at building a devices and services strategy , but the joint company wo n't take the same form as Apple . Many proposed laws are unconstitutional and deny us our God - given rights , " said Happy Camp resident Gabe Garrison . "