Pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training this week, and Republicans considering running for president are warming up to the political season right now at the Conservative Political Action Conference. Appearing at the three day event are Mitt Romney and Tim Pawlenty -- who are all but certain to run -- as well as Mike Pence, Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich.

This week's conference is just the start. Speaking in less than two months at the Southern
Republican Leadership Conference in New Orleans are Sarah Palin, Mike Huckabee, Haley Barbour and Bobby Jindal, along with Gingrich, Pawlenty, Pence and Santorum.

The SRLC is billed as "the most prominent GOP gathering prior to the next national convention," and features a presidential straw poll -- Tennessee Sen. Bill Frist won the Hotline-run poll in 2006, with Romney finishing a surprise second.

CPAC witnessed several interesting moments during the 2008 presidential race. Allen won the annual CPAC straw poll in 2006, edging out John McCain. At the time, Allen appeared well on his way to being the frontrunner for the nomination, but he committed a politically fatal mistake several months later while stumping for his re-election.

In February 2008, Romney announced at CPAC that he was dropping out of the presidential race -- a deflating speech for conservatives.

"I entered this race because I love America," said Romney. "And because I love America, in this time of war, I feel I have to now stand aside, for our party and for our country."

Following Romney's speech, McCain made a plea for conservative support, which he would need heading into a competitive race against Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama.

"I am acutely aware that I cannot succeed in that endeavor, nor can our party prevail over the challenge we will face from either Senator Clinton or Senator Obama, without the support of dedicated conservatives," McCain said.

Potential candidates are making similar pleas this week.