Gibbons is at somewhat of an advantage because he represents such a huge chunk of the state. He starts with some name ID that other candidates don't start with, so they may have to start (advertising) earlier.
I think right now it is a serious race and it's a competitive race, but it is somewhat on hold because I think a majority of people are waiting to see how things are playing out in the courts, how the charges are settled.
Generally, gubernatorial races are somewhat insular from the national environment. If there is an environment where voters want change it's a state like Nevada, where Republicans have been in control the last couple of terms. They may look to the other party as a party of change.