Yeah, it’s only January 2007. We’re a year away from the first primary. But the candidates are already maneuvering and positioning for the White House. The names on the Democratic side are familiar to all of us: Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and John Edwards are the likely frontrunners. The names on the Republican side range from the well known (John McCain and Rudy Giuliani) to the unknown (Mitt Romney, Sam Brownback, and Mike Huckabee) to the certifiably insane (Duncan Hunter and Tom Tancredo). So, for your benefit, a brief overview of the Republican field, after the flip…

Sen. John McCain, AZ - A panderer of the highest order, McCain has reinvented himself from the “Straight Talk Express” maverick of 2000, to the establishment’s candidate for the Republican nomination. It took him years of sucking up to Bush to get the implicit backing of Bush’s administration. A couple of years ago, McCain was easily the most formidable Republican candidate. Now, after tying himself to the debacle in Iraq, and pandering to groups on the religious right, McCain is damaging his credibility among independent voters. And the religious right isn’t buying it, either. The party rank-and-file still distrust McCain, but money talks in the GOP primaries - and McCain will have a lot of it. Status: Formed Exploratory Committee.

Former Gov. Mitt Romney, MA - Romney saw an opening for a religious conservative candidate, and decided that it should be him. One problem: he’s not. First of all, he got elected in Massachusetts. In a losing Senate race against Ted Kennedy in 1994, Romney actually tried to position himself to the left of Kennedy. Someone found the debate and posted a clip on Youtube. He’s having all sorts of problems with the wingnut base as he tries to convince them that he is, in fact, a reactionary bigot. But the reactionary bigots don’t exactly trust Mormons. Status: Formed Exploratory Committee.

Former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, NY - Not. A. Chance. Giuliani may lead every national poll, but there’s a reason why John McCain is considered the frontrunner: Rudy Giuliani will never be the nominee of the Republican Party. His moral qualms notwithstanding - Republicans have been more than willing to overlook indiscretion in the past - Giuliani’s problems stem from his policy stances and a number of scandals that will make him absolutely unelectable. As to why the base will reject him? He’s from New York. He’s a “liberal.” He’s pro-choice. He’s pro-gay rights. He’s pro-gun control. He lived with a gay couple while separated from his wife. If by some miracle Giuliani won the nomination, evangelicals would stay home or back a third-party candidate, effectively ensuring his defeat. Status: Formed Exploratory Committee.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, GA - Our nightmare come true. If McCain appears weak late this year, Gingrich may jump in - and could take the nomination. Yes, he’d lose. He’d get creamed in a general election. But do we really want to see Newt Gingrich even considered? Status: Not Yet Announced.

Sen. Sam Brownback, KS - Brownback is positioning himself for the endorsement of the religious right, whose leaders are increasingly distrustful of McCain but are without a viable alternative. He’s also staking out a moderately anti-escalation position on Iraq (though it certainly isn’t an anti-war stance), and an endorsement of a partition of Iraq. But unless he can get the backing of the religious right, he doesn’t really stand a chance at the nomination. Status: Officially Announced.

Former Gov. Mike Huckabee, AR - An Arkansas Governor born in Hope is running for President? Yeah. Huckabee’s no Bill Clinton, but he could be a darkhorse contender for the Republican nomination. Like the others, his chances depend largely on being able to garner support from the religious right. Evangelicals make up a large portion of the Republican electorate, and the top three contenders for the nomination are all “moderates.” Status: Not Yet Announced.

Sen. Chuck Hagel, NE - A dangerous candidate. He’s saying all the right things on Iraq right now. But, nonetheless, he is one of the most conservative members of the United States Senate. He may very well be the Republicans’ best chance at winning in 2008, which is why we’re lucky as hell that Republicans hate his guts. Status: Uncertain.

Rep. Ron Paul, TX - He’s the only Republican in the House to vote against the War in Iraq. That, of course, means he doesn’t stand a chance. Status: Formed Exploratory Committee.

Rep. Duncan Hunter, CA - A hawkish Republican with strong ties to Duke Cunningham and no chance at winning the nomination. Status: Officially Announced.

Rep. Tom Tancredo, CO - A racist. Oh, and his PAC’s name is “Team America.” F*ck Yeah! Status: Officially Announced.