ELEVEN weeks from today - in less than three months - West Virginians will nominate two candidates for governor.

Some would call the short period between now and the May 14 special primary a blessing. 

Another unusual aspect is the sheer number of candidates.

In recent gubernatorial races, early frontrunners backed off some challengers by raising fearsome sums of money and locking up key endorsements.

This year, Democratic primary voters must choose among six candidates: Earl Ray Tomblin, Rick Thompson, Arne Moltis, Natalie Tennant, John Perdue and Jeff Kessler.

Those who cast Republican ballots will decide among eight candidates: Clark Barnes, Betty Ireland, Mark Sorsaia, Larry Faircloth, Cliff Ellis, Mitch Carmichael, Ralph William Clark and Bill Maloney.

Scratching your head, thinking, "Who are these people?" 

You're not alone.

The candidates don't have much time to answer that question.

The serious contenders are scrambling to raise money for advertising.

But even if ads started  today, 11 weeks isn't much time to build statewide name recognition.

That is a key factor in multiple-candidate races, and the special primary will be no exception.

As acting governor, Tomblin has harnessed the power of the office since he stepped up to the position in November. He keeps  his name and face in the news.

He should be a slam-dunk for the nomination, but he may not be for a couple of reasons.

He is from Logan County, where he is well known. But less than 2 percent of the state's population lives there, and this is his first run for statewide office.

Also, Tomblin  is low-key and so far has not wrung full advantage from his time in the spotlight.

The two female candidates will stand out simply because of their gender among so many men people don't know well.  It doesn't hurt that both Betty Ireland and Natalie Tennant previously have run statewide - with success.

The only other candidate who has done that is state Treasurer John Perdue.

Perdue has been an avowed candidate longer than anyone else, and is said to have a strong organization of Democratic regulars statewide. 

In a normal year, that likely wouldn't mean much. This time it might.

Turnout for the special primary is likely to be low.

Only 14 percent of the state's registered voters showed up last August when nominees for the late Robert Byrd's U.S. Senate seat were chosen. With no clear preference, many people may decide to skip the May primary as well.

When we look back at the crowded May ballots, we may find the two nominees were chosen by disturbingly small numbers of voters.

That means special interests, such as unions, could have more impact than usual, but they, too may have trouble drumming up interest.

After the primary, there are five months until the special general election on Tuesday, Oct. 4. General elections normally fall on the first Tuesday in November.   

Campaigns usually don't kick into high gear until after Labor Day. This year there may be no break at all. Another aberration.

The Democratic and Republican national committees likely will pour money into the general election campaigns. Both parties covet governor's seats, and there are few other statewide races across the country this year.

So there may be more than reruns on TV this summer.  

However, the winner of the general election will get little respite.

In early 2012, a new filing period opens. Some defeated candidates and others will take on the barely incumbent governor.

It's fascinating politics, but something bigger is at stake.

West Virginia has had strong, steady governance in recent years. Big problems have been tackled, and progress made.

Equally big challenges remain. 

How do we diversify our economy? How do we develop our vital energy sector? How do we deal with massive public employee benefit debts? How do we improve schools and roads?

We need a governor with strong convictions and the ability to build consensus. 

I hope responsible voters will make a good choice.

Friend is editor and publisher of the Daily Mail. She may be reached at 348-5124 or nan...@dailymail.com.