GOP Presidential Race Appears to Be Off and Running

The Republican presidential campaign has begun officially, by all appearances. Seven candidates, including several seen as frontrunners, have either formally entered the race or created exploratory committees, The Hill reports. Texas Rep. Ron Paul announced his candidacy just today, and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich did so Wednesday. The rest of the field could be set within a few weeks.

The list of formal candidates or those who have formed exploratory committees includes former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum, pizza magnate Herman Cain, and former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson.

Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann, and real estate mogul/reality TV star Donald Trump are expected to decide soon whether they’ll run.