As expected, the field of Democratic presidential candidates has winnowed down to just two or three while the Republican side looks likely to number at least a half dozen. The need for candidates to raise at least $15 to $20 million (some say as much as $25 million) to have a realistic chance of winning the nomination has filtered out many presidential wannabes — much like the Iowa Caucuses and New Hampshire primary have done in past contests.
The announcement by Sen. Paul Wellstone, D-Minn., on Saturday that he was discontinuing his exploratory effort for health reasons comes on the heels of Nebraska Sen. Bob Kerrey's announcement in December that he too would pass on a run for Democratic nomination.
Contrary to popular belief, House Minority Leader Dick Gephardt, D-Mo., has not made up his mind. He's expected to make a decision in the next week or ten days about his presidential plans, but most believe Gephardt will stay in the House and pursue a bid for speaker. Insiders insist there is still a chance he'll take on Vice President
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