WBRZ - Baton Rouge

With eight months to go, no big names have emerged to take on Governor Bobby Jindal for his job.

Jindal has raised almost $10 million in-state and during campaign trips across the country. He's been fundraising since he was elected more than three years ago and got more than $3 million alone last year.

Political analysts say "party-switching," time and the intimidation of money already raised may be keeping the race from becoming a race at all.

"The Hayride" political blogger Scott McKay says there's no talk about the race, because there's no one to talk about.

He said, "Nobody's really talking about the governor's race, there's a lot more talk about the state legislature."

Other than Jindal, Independent minister Dan Northcutt, from North Louisiana, is the only person to express interest in the top spot, through his campaign website. Political analyst Bob Mann says at this stage in the game, it'll be difficult to find any true contenders for the fight.

Mann said, "Money can get you so far, but you need money and time to allow the electorate to become comfortable with you."

When asked about a candidate for the race, the state Democratic Party said in a statement, "With our state facing a nearly $2 billion budget deficit, Governor Jindal spent much of last year traveling the country to promote his book and raise campaign cash. Louisiana families would be better off if Jindal spent a little less time thinking about his own future and a little more time focused on theirs."

Sign-up for the top spot in the state is in August, with the primary hitting polls in October. If there is any competition, a run-off election could follow in November.