The Republican Governors Association "believes that rebuilding has got to occur at the state level, and of all the Republican committees, we're the only ones who have protected our incumbents, " said Nick Ayers, the group's executive director.

WSJ: Democrats Retain Majority As 11 Gubernatorial Races Near Finish

Obama worked with Ayers on a two foundation boards in the mid-1990s, including one dedicated to education reform, and Ayers also hosted a coffee in which Obama was introduced to a group of political activists in Chicago.

CNN: Palin: Obama put 'ambition above country'

Obama acknowledges meeting Ayers, now a university professor, in 1995, when both worked with a nonprofit group trying to raise money for a school improvement project and a charitable foundation.

CNN: Candidates dial back campaign rhetoric

Obama and Ayers, now a university professor, have met several times since 1995, when both worked with a nonprofit group trying to raise funds for a school improvement project and a charitable foundation.

CNN: McCain to voters: 'Who is the real Sen. Obama?'