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 . After a year in which liberals scored impressive , high - profile Supreme Court victories , conservatives could be in line for wins on some of this term 's most contentious issues , as the justices consider cases that could gut public sector labor unions and roll back affirmative action at state universities . 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 . 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 . We have to have government that 's local , understands our issues and has empathy , " said Mark Baird , a rancher who the Searchlight said was heading the effort . 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 . 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 . " 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 . 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 . ” 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 . 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 . Nearly all those in attendance appeared to be for the move and about a dozen spoke in support of it . 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 . But it ’s unclear whether that fight will get to the justices in time for a decision this term or whether Obama ’s effort to expand his executive actions on immigration  The new term ’s biggest rulings will land in June , as the 2016 presidential campaign enters its final stretch , and they will help shape the political debate .