Brownback Goes Forth and a Republican Scorecard

Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) has announced the formation of an exploratory committee for a presidential run. Brownback has made clear that he will focus on social conservative issues, and is clearly the most conservative Republican to join the field. He is the fifth Republican to make plans to seek the presidency.

For those keeping score:

• Senator John McCain (AZ) - exploratory committee
• former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani - exploratory committee
• Rep. Duncan Hunter (CA) - exploratory committee
• Governor Mitt Romney (MA) - expected to join race in early 2007
• Governor Mike Huckabee (AZ) - on radar screens
• Senator Chuck Hagel (NE) - on radar screens
• former Speaker Newt Gingrich (GA) - on radar screens
• Governor George Pataki - longshot
• Secretary (and former Governor) Tommy Thompson - longshot
• Senator Bill Frist (TN) - NO
• Senator George Allen - NO
• Senator Rick Santorum - NO