Where's the drama in Washington state gubernatorial primary?

(CNN) - In the battle for the state of Washington's governorship, Tuesday's primary seems to be just the warm-up act.

Polls suggest that both Republican Attorney General Rob McKenna and Democrat Jay Inslee, a former eight-term congressman, are expected to breeze by seven other candidates and face off in November in the fight to succeed two-term Democratic Gov. Christine Gregoire, who decided against running for re-election.

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McKenna is hoping to become the first Republican governor of Washington state since 1985.

Washington state voters cast ballots by mail. Voters must have their ballots, which were sent out weeks ago, in the mail or in special boxes statewide by 8 p.m. local time Tuesday.

Two of the top non-partisan political handicappers, the Cook Political Report and the Rothenberg Political Report, both rate a McKenna-Inslee November showdown as a toss-up.

- CNN Political Editor Paul Steinhauser contributed to this story.