Some statewide and local elections on Tuesday could serve as a barometer for next year's battle for the White House [and Congress]...

BATTLE FOR OHIO: Two ballot initiatives in the Buckeye State could provide clues for how the fight for the crucial battleground state may play out in next year's race for the White House...[Issue 2 anti-collective bargaining measure and Issue 3 ballot referendum to exempt Ohio residents from the compulsory health care mandate]

BATTLE FOR TWO MORE BATTLEGROUNDS: In Virginia, Republicans are trying to win control of the state Senate...a special election in Iowa will decide which party controls the state Senate.

VOTER RIGHTS: Both Maine and Mississippi are the arenas for fights over voters' rights and could serve as a gauge for similar referendums next year. Question 1 in Maine would repeal the same-day registration law that was passed earlier this year. Mississippi's Initiative 27 would make photo IDs mandatory at polling places. If passed, Mississippi would become the 15th state to require photo IDs to vote. 

ABORTION: Mississippi voters will cast ballots on a "personhood" amendment...

GUBERNATORIAL CONTESTS: There doesn't appear to be a lot of suspense when it comes to the two states voting for governor. Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear of Kentucky appears to be cruising towards re-election. In Mississippi, Republican Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant is considered the favorite...

MAYORAL CONTESTS: The major cities holding elections are: Baltimore, Charlotte, Houston, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Phoenix and San Francisco

RECALL ELECTION: Arizona state Sen. Russell Peace is facing a recall election. Since he's the chief architect of Arizona's controversial immigration law, this contest is getting a lot of attention nationwide.