It's called stumping, and it's what politicians do to build support before an election. The word comes from the 19th century, when candidates used to stand on a tree stump so people could see them.
To raise money and attract attention to their ideas, candidates travel to as many different states and meet as many folks as they can. Stumping for the November 7, 2000, presidential election has already begun, even though the voting is still more than 500 days away! That's because candidates must raise millions of dollars for campaign expenses.
Last week former Vice President Dan Quayle became the latest candidate to announce plans to run for President in 2000. "America needs a fresh start," he said.
Quayle hopes to win the Republican Party's nomination. His rivals are likely to include Texas Governor George W. Bush, journalist Pat Buchanan and Elizabeth Dole, former head of the American Red Cross.
The leading contenders for the Democratic Party nomination are Vice President Al Gore and former New Jersey Senator Bill Bradley.
The first big test will be when people in New Hampshire vote in a primary election in early 2000. Between now and then, it's stumping season!