We’re well aware of how crowded the field of 2008 Democratic candidates is. What’s amazing is that in the coming months, a growing list of Republican hopefuls may put it to shame.

The fact that the 2008 election is shaping up as the most wide-open race in almost a century has everybody crawling out of the woodwork and clamoring for attention.

Among those who may decide on a White House bid is Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel, although he said at a news conference today that he is putting off his decision on his political future until later this year so he can focus on the war in Iraq (which he stands opposed to) and other pressing issues before Congress.

Many expected Hagel to announce his bid today. But Hagel said he could still join the field later in the year, stating:

“I admire [each candidate] for their willingness to put themselves on the line and pursue their beliefs and ideals. I believe the political currents in America are more unpredictable today than at any time in modern history.”

Hagel is one of the most aggressive Republican critics of George W. Bush’s handling of the war in Iraq, a quagmire that has meant the downfall of the administration in some respects, and is hampering the candidacy of one-time 2008 front-runner John McCain, a staunch supporter of the invasion.

In addition to Hagel, former Tennessee Senator and current Law & Order star Fred Thompson is considering a presidential run next year.

Thompson (pictured above) told Fox News that he is leaving the door open to joining the Republican presidential field later in the year.

“I’m going to wait and see how it pans out, how they do, how it develops. A lot of people think it is late already. I do not really think it is, although the rules of the game have changed somewhat,” he said.

An accomplished actor before and after his senate career, Thompson served two terms representing Tennessee from 1990-2002. Analysts say he would be appealing to the mainstream GOP base, which isn’t near sold on any of its current options.

“He is a conservative,” said Jonathan Martin of ThePolitico.com.

“His record in the Senate bares that out, so he would certainly run to the right. But he would enjoy a significant advantage in that he is almost a household name.”

As of right now, 10 Republicans have either declared they are running for president or have formed exploratory committees to raise money. Nine Democrats, led by Hillary Clinton, are currently seeking their party’s nomination as well.

Public opinion polls indicate Rudy Giuliani, McCain and Mitt Romney are leading the Republican field, along with former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, who is also mulling a run. He says he will decide whether to throw his hat in the ring by September.