Note: This RPI is a ranking of candidates in order of their odds of winning the general election. The model is based on political chatter, candidate strengths, likelihood of running, conventional wisdom and other factors.

1. Crit Luallen

Crit Luallen is a popular choice among Democrats. She has spent a lifetime in the executive branch of state government and knows it inside and out. Luallen has recently made some noise about her possible candidacy in newspapers and on Bill Bryant’s “Kentucky Newsmakers.” I think she runs and will be a top contender, but if she doesn’t, look for the Democratic field to be more crowded.

2. Brett Guthrie

The Congressman from Kentucky’s Second Congressional District is emerging as the GOP’s establishment candidate. He is very likable and comes from a military background. He notably spent time in Frankfort on the first day of this legislative session and held a meet-and-greet in Lexington before January’s Kentucky Chamber dinner. But, would he make the transition from legislator to executive?

3. Jack Conway

The AG is also “seriously considering” running for Governor. The one issue he has is his mentor and close friend Crit Luallen is also interested. They both have said if one runs, the other likely won’t. Who will it be? Or, might they team up? Remember, if he doesn’t run for Governor, he is term limited for the AG’s office. So, another question: does Conway run for a different statewide office, or in 2016 for one of Kentucky’s seats in Washington?

4. Alison Lundergan Grimes

Again, don’t discount the Secretary. If she doesn’t run for Senate in 2014, and even if she does and loses, she is very interested in this race. I am told that her interest would be piqued by a Democratic field that doesn’t include Crit Luallen and/or a field that is very crowded.

5. Andy Barr

Even though he has just been elected to Congress in the Sixth District, some say the freshman Barr would be the Republicans’ next best choice for Governor if Guthrie decides not to run. Barr proved to be a worthy opponent against an establishment Democrat when he removed Ben Chandler from office last year. He walks the Tea Party and Establishment line well. One thought: Barr would be in full campaign mode for more than a year should he decide to run for Governor; he will have a re-election effort next year, the Republican gubernatorial primary in early 2015, followed by the general election if he won the primary.

6. Adam Edelen

Another young and energetic politician that many Democrats call a “future star,” but will he run for re-election to the Auditor’s office and wait in line until 2019, or pull the trigger for the Governor’s Mansion in 2015?

7. James Comer

Has won applause from both sides of the aisle for his leadership on the hemp bill in Frankfort, though it faces an uncertain future. He’s a young and energetic Republican and has already won one statewide race. Would he try to run after just one term as Ag commissioner, or run for re-election and wait until 2019?

8. Jerry Abramson

While the question remains whether or not the lieutenant governor will run in 2015, Abramson keeps a high-profile while executing his very limited Constitutional duties. Gov. Beshear appointed him to head a task force on tax reform in the Commonwealth and he often represents the governor at many economic development announcements across the state.

Unranked:

Trey Grayson

The former Ky. Secretary of State who now runs the Institute of Politics at Harvard University would mount a good campaign should he decide to return to the campaign trail.

Ben Chandler

Chandler’s name has been floated for another bid for the state’s highest office. Remains to be seen if he is interested.

Greg Stumbo

Has been mentioned as a possible contender, but many believe he is having too much fun as Speaker of the House.

Luther Deaton

The head of Central Bank is said to be considering the race. Deaton is well-connected across the civic and business communities in the Commonwealth and has recently served as chairman of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

Jess Correll

Correll, a conservative Republican, is head of First Southern National Bank in Stanford. His name has been bandied about as a possible candidate.

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Email or tweet your comments, complaints, suggestions to Editor Bradford Queen, who prepares the RPI without any editorial direction or input from The RP.