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 . 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 . No matter who wins the  GOP Eyes Gains As Voters In 11 States Pick Governors Jim Cole / AP i 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 , and with the potential to extend their hold to more than two - thirds of the nation 's top state offices . Democrats are likely hold on to their seats in West Virginia and Missouri ; and expected to notch safe wins in races for seats they hold in Vermont and Delaware . Before it goes too far , I just want people to know that FB have NOT removed the kiss - in event page ; it ’s still there , but _ I made the  || News || Page 1 of 1 UPDATED : A photo of two men kissing that was posted on a Facebook page protesting a London pub ’s decision to eject a same - sex couple for kissing has been removed by the social networking site , an error , according to a rep for the company . " 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 . More than 100 people packed the supervisors ' chambers Tuesday for the discussion on whether the county should issue a declaration that it wants to secede from the state . It 's the first in a long series of steps to form the proposed state of Jefferson , which proponents of the effort say would bring representation to rural North State counties that currently are beholden to the whims of representatives of the more heavily populated Southern California and free them from burdensome state regulations . Holding Sway On Health Care While the occupant of the governor 's office is historically far less important than the party that controls the state legislature , top state officials in coming years are expected to wield significant influence in at least one major area . 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 . This picture has itself caused scandal in the UK , as it was a gay kiss that was broadcast before the watershed , and as such led to a number of complaints to the BBC . 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 . ” The decision to remove the photo has prompted scores of people to post their own pictures of same - sex couples kissing in protest — dozens in the last few hours alone . Fed up by Sacramento 's regulations and Southern California 's political sway , residents in one rural Northern California county are taking steps to leave the state .