Presidential contenders register Ohio intentions

[geiger]

Jan 4, 11:26 AM EST

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -- "With the Iowa caucuses now behind them, 2008 presidential contenders were systematically meeting a Friday deadline to appear on Ohio's March 4 primary ballots."

"Leading the pack was U.S. Sen. Barack Obama from Illinois, who filed his candidacy petitions on Wednesday...."

"....Former U.S. Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina, the second-place finisher among Iowa Democrats, was also among those registered for the Ohio ballot by midday...."

Among Republicans, Fred Thompson, former U.S. senator from Tennessee, was the first to file his petitions and signatures...."

"....Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a Republican, was also registered by late morning, and Republican U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona was expected to file before lunch."