Poll win boosts presidential prospects of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker

Republican Scott Walker was re-elected governor in the US state of Wisconsin, boosting the conservative favourite's prospects as a potential presidential candidate in 2016.

Governors were on the ballot in 36 states on Tuesday, most of them overshadowed by the fierce fight for control of the Senate, where Republicans took the majority. But several close governors' races were closely watched because of implications for the White House race in two years.

In another hotly contested election, Florida's Republican governor, Rick Scott, held on to his office in the country's largest battleground state despite a strong challenge from Democrat Charlie Crist, a former Republican governor who changed parties to run for his old job.

Walker's victory was part of a larger Republican sweep in governor's races across the country. His victory over Democratic challenger Mary Burke in a state that voted for President Barack Obama in 2012 will shift the focus to his future intentions.

Another governor who has figured in the 2016 discussion, John Kasich, of Ohio, sailed to victory against Democrat Ed FitzGerald to win a second term.

In South Carolina, Republican Governor Nikki Haley beat Democratic challenger Vincent Sheheen to win a second term.