OPINION

GOP governors looking to their own as 2012 race takes shape

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Salt Lake City, Utah (CNN) - Republican governors are searching within their own ranks for a presidential candidate to get behind, a scenario that might present an obstacle for Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann's as she continues her surge in the polls.

In the wake of big statehouse gains in 2010, Republicans wield control over political and financial networks in several key battleground and primary states. Now they are planning to exercise that newfound influence as the party begins the process of choosing its nominee.