Jindal, in particular, has been the focus of attention because of his background. He is a second generation Indian who converted to Roman Catholicism. This Rhodes scholar was also a member of the Bush administration until he decided on a more active political role for himself.

Jindal has managed to maintain a wafer-thin edge over Blanco in most of the opinion polls but she edged past him in a recent one.

This is one election that could be headed for a photo finish. But political consultant Roy Fletcher told rediff.com Blanco is fighting a lost cause. He believes she has shot herself in the foot by making a series of political mistakes.