South Carolina isn't part of the Deep South? Can you find me a definition of the Deep South that doesn't include it? Louisiana has elected a female governor though.
I don't think she'll lose just because of that, but psychologically voters, especially in parts of the United States that have a very old male-dominated political culture, are more hesitant to elect women in executive positions. I could be a bit biased [or informed?] because I just completed a 15 page (20 with bibliography haha) research paper into this last week.
Here are the states that have elected had female governors. Notice where the red and purple ones are (not anywhere near the South). But hey, always easy to break these rules, especially with Sanford's backing.
edit: Just checked, not a single female statewide office holder in South Carolina. Obviously using this to measure bias depends on how many credible female challengers have been defeated. But it's not the most welcoming environment. But all she really needs to do is get past the GOP Primary, and money, Sanford's endorsement, and organizational skills will determine that a hell of a lot more than her gender will.
South Carolina also has the lowest percentage of female state legislators in the country (10%), and its state Senate is the only legislative body in the country to have no women in it:
http://www.ncsl.org/programs/wln/WomenInOffice2009.htm
