You can’t beat someone with no one. In Nevada, Democrats are searching for a candidate to take on Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval. So far, those efforts have come up short.

Democratic strategists wanted Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto to run, but she declined, even though she is term limited out of her office in 2014. Veteran reporter Jon Ralston doesn’t think she will be on the ballot at all next year (via Nevada Politics in Stereo).

The list of remaining potential gubernatorial challengers is short. Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak looks like the most likely Democratic candidate, but few observers think he can win.

President Barack Obama’s 6-point win in 2012 and the changing demographics of the state fuel Democratic optimism. But Sandoval doesn’t look like he is in any imminent danger. We’re moving the race from Lean Republican to Republican Favored in the Rothenberg Political Report/Roll Call ratings.