Trump puts moderate GOP governors in awkward spot

Governors of both parties are concerned with a full range of proposals that could affect state budgets, including possible repeal of the Affordable Care Act, reforms to Medicaid, immigration enforcement and spending for infrastructure.

Baker, a moderate with high approval ratings in a state politically dominated by Democrats, has distanced himself from Trump since early in the presidential campaign.

On his presidential ballot, he wrote in the name of his father, a former congressman.

Since the president took office, he has continually sidestepped questions about Trump.

Democrats, who control the Legislature and enjoy a 2-to-1 advantage in voter registration, went against Hogan's wishes when they voted to expand the attorney general's powers in response to Trump.

[...] they're not nearly as shy about mentioning the president.

Since the election, he has continued to avoid taking a clear position on the administration's policies.

Democrats, who control the Illinois Legislature, called the Republican governor cowardly for meeting with billionaire donors out of state while refugees were stranded at Chicago's O'Hare airport after the president's travel-banning executive order.

Rauner already has a slim margin for error after a two-year budget stalemate has tanked his approval ratings.