SFGate - AP -- Democratic presidential hopefuls to crowd California

Several would-be 2004 Democratic presidential nominees already have trekked to the Golden State to tap its veteran political strategists, abundant campaign dollars and mass of Democratic voters.

Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, who is running, Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman, Sens. John Kerry of Massachusetts and John Edwards of North Carolina -- all considering running -- already have visited California.

Sens. Tom Daschle of South Dakota, Missouri Rep. Dick Gephardt and Florida Sen. Bob Graham are considering campaigns. One early favorite of Democrats, New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, made several trips to California during this year's governor's race but has said she will not run in 2004.

Many of the hopefuls are expected to attend the California Democratic Party's annual convention in March in Sacramento.