WASHINGTON — A number of 2008 presidential contenders appear to be inching closer to making their first official steps as candidates. Republicans Tennessee Sen. Bill Frist, Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel, Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback, New York Gov. George Pataki and Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee are all in preparatory stages. Democrats Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh, Delaware Sen. Joe Biden and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama are also being watched carefully for suggestions they are making moves in the White House's direction. None officially has announced they are running, but either they or those close to them are saying...