Instead of keeping close tabs on all the 2008 candidates, we're tempted to rely on a recently spotted bumper sticker for help.

   "Honk if you're not running for president," it says.

   After all, the breathless who's in, who's out, round-the-clock coverage of next year's election seems more appropriate for a contest that will be decided in 20 days, not 20 months. And while we'd like to cast a vote for a timeout until 2008, the fact is that this has morphed into an election year in many respects.

   With a wide-open race, a fundraising frenzy and a front-loaded primary schedule, candidates can't afford to wait. By this time next year, the field will have narrowed and the nominations will be nearly decided.

   The 2008 campaign will be the first in many voters' lifetimes without an incumbent, a former vice president or a likely successor in the mix. So contenders are in a race to build name recognition.

   Adding to the rush is the price of admission for a presidential campaign. Gaudy figures in the $100 million range have been bandied about as bare minimums for viable candidates. A political strategist recently advised that those aiming for the White House should be spending more time fundraising than sleeping at this stage of the game.

   States eager to have influence in the nominating process also have contributed to the phenomenon of the forever campaign. The 2008 primaries are inching closer and closer to 2007, with states jockeying for position and overloading the calendar with January and February contests.

   Finally, the growing number of cable networks and Web sites detailing every political punch and counterpunch exacerbates voters' feelings of pre-election exhaustion.

   It's still a long slog to Nov. 4, 2008. But the next few months could prove pivotal. So, to voters we say: Tune in. And pace yourselves.