Pre-Candidates A-Go-Go

With a little more than 10 months before the May primary, The Associated Press looks at the sprawling field of pre-candidates for the 2008 ballot.

The situation somewhat mirrors the national political scene, where 19 declared presidential candidates are already off and running. But this is not necessarily a good thing, says political science professor Robert Rupp of West Virginia Wesleyan College.

"The candidates are running and the media is covering but the public isn't paying attention," Rupp tells AP. "I am not at all happy. It tires out the candidates, and the public is not engaged."

Rupp also advises "let's give the voters a rest. These people have day jobs."