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Majority of states have Democratic governor

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(CNN) -- Six governorships switched from Republican to Democratic in Tuesday's election, giving Democrats control of a majority of top state posts for the first time in 12 years.

Democrats now control 28 governorships and the Republicans control 20. Rhode Island and Minnesota have yet to be called.

In addition to the six pickups, Democrats retained 14 governorships while Republicans retained 14.

In Massachusetts, former Clinton Justice Department official Deval Patrick became the state's first African-American governor and only the second elected nationally since Reconstruction.

Democrats held onto governorships in Arizona, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee and Wyoming. (A complete rundown of the governors' races)

Republicans retained governor's offices in Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Nebraska, South Carolina and Texas. (Watch South Carolina governor's election day goof -- 2:09)

While most of the Republican incumbents running Tuesday were expected to win re-election, a wave of retirements left the GOP with the task of defending nine open seats, where most of their losses were expected.

Democrats only had to defend one open seat, in Iowa, where Democratic Secretary of State Chet Culver beat Republican U.S. Rep. Jim Nussle.

Unlike controlling the House or Senate, having a majority of governorships has little practical effect, because governors operate independently of each other. However, a switch gives Democrats bragging rights and access to state political organizations that could be helpful in the 2008 presidential election.

The silver-lining came for Republicans when, despite the Golden State's Democratic leanings, actor-turned-politician Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger won re-election against Democratic challenger, state Treasurer Phil Angelides.

Traditions, fun and solemn, mark July Fourth Americans across the country mixed patriotism and plain old good fun to mark Independence Day on Friday, with solemn ceremony alternating with parades and h ...

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