August 3, 1999
Web posted at: 2:22 p.m. EDT (1822 GMT)

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics) -- The last few months proved to be a busy period for presidential politics as some hopefuls made their candidacy official while the tally of drop outs has already begun.

Here's a list of the people who are either running for president, became independent candidates or have decided against it:

Democrats:

• Vice President Al Gore -- made a formal announcement in Carthage, Tennessee, on June 16.
• Former Sen. Bill Bradley of New Jersey -- announced exploratory committee December 4, 1998; formed presidential committee January 12.

Republicans:

• Former Tennessee Gov. Lamar Alexander -- announced exploratory committee through a release January 8; announced candidacy in Nashville, Tennessee, on March 9.
• Conservative activist Gary Bauer -- announced exploratory committee January 31; announced candidacy in Newport, Kentucky, on April 21.
• Conservative commentator Pat Buchanan -- announced candidacy March 2.
• Texas Gov. George W. Bush -- announced exploratory committee in Austin, Texas, on March 7; said on June 12 in Iowa: "I am a candidate."
• Former Red Cross President Elizabeth Dole -- announced exploratory committee in Des Moines, Iowa, on March 10; announced on June 30 plans for formal candidacy in early fall.
• Publisher Steve Forbes -- announced his candidacy March 16 via the Internet.
• Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah -- announced his candidacy July 1.
• Talk-show host Alan Keyes -- filed exploratory commmittee papers with the FEC June 17.
• Sen. John McCain of Arizona -- released a statement on April 13 saying "I am a candidate for president."
• Former Vice President Dan Quayle -- announced exploratory committee on February 3 in Indianapolis, Indiana; announced candidacy in Huntington, Indiana, on April 14.

Independents:

• Sen. Bob Smith of New Hampshire -- announced candidacy in Wolfeboro, NH, on February 18; announced that he is quitting the GOP and will run as an independent on July 13.

Decided against it:

• Rep. John Kasich of Ohio -- announced exploratory committee in Columbus, OH, February 15; withdrew from the presidential race July 14.

Updated: 7-14-99

The Associated Press contributed to this report.