i've always been under some assumption that it is very little, but i suppose i weigh that poor governmental leadership anywhere in the u.s. can negatively influence the federal government, no?

Sometimes they try to whore themselves out for future political positioning. That's about it.

Dood, they command the state militias during peace time. That is serious business.

Any chance the states could rebel and not release national guard forces except for declared wars?

Almost none at all, and that is by design. They are supposed to be focused on their own state and what is best for that state's people.

When it comes to working with other governors and influencing federal policies, they're really nothing more than lobbyists.