| According to the Federal law, the funds raised and | | | | Nevada and South Carolina In the first half of this |
| spent during elections should be reported. Before | | | | year. |
| receiving any contributions, the candidates planning | | | | A televised debate was hosted in May, 2007 by |
| to run in the 2008 election are required to register | | | | the Republican Party at the Ronald Regan Library |
| and create a 'campaign committee'. | | | | in California. Besides, they also organized the |
| Some candidates receive extensive news media | | | | popular Ames Straw Poll in Iowa in August this |
| coverage and what is called as attendant "buzz". | | | | year. |
| However, the non-contenders do not have an | | | | As per the news agency reporting and the |
| active campaign to their favor. Many exploratory | | | | consensus listings, "front runner status" was given |
| committees were formed by potential candidates | | | | to six candidates by July, 2007. These candidates |
| who had declared their candidacies in November | | | | leading the pack are Giuliani, Obama, Clinton, |
| 2006. | | | | Edwards, Mc Cain, and Romney. |
| These exploratory committees aimed at getting | | | | The democratic front-runners include Clinton, |
| maximum media attention and funds for the | | | | Edwards, and Obama. On the other hand, the |
| upcoming elections. | | | | Republican front runners include Giuliani and McCain. |
| There were a series of various events like straw | | | | The maximum funds of over $20 million were |
| polls, debates etc. sponsored by different parties | | | | raised by three potential candidates, Clinton, |
| early this year. These events aimed at helping the | | | | Obama, and Romney. |
| voters to know more about the candidates. | | | | To conclude, 65% of the respondents are |
| For instance, a series of debates and candidate | | | | following the US presidential Race-2008 very |
| forums were organized by the Democrats in | | | | closely. |