McCain says he's in the 2008 US presidential race

WASHINGTON, Mar 1 (Reuters) Sen John McCain said that he will be a candidate for president in 2008 and plans a formal announcement in April.

The Arizona Republican made the announcement during an interview on CBS's ''Late Show with David Letterman,'' which was taped for broadcast late yesterday.

''I am announcing that I will be a candidate for President of the United States,'' McCain told Letterman.

McCain said he would make a formal announcement in April.

McCain, former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and former Massachusetts Gov Mitt Romney lead a large field of Republicans eyeing a 2008 White House run.

Other likely Republican contenders include former Arkansas Gov Mike Huckabee, Sen Sam Brownback of Kansas, former Virginia Gov James Gilmore, former Wisconsin Gov Tommy Thompson and Reps.

Duncan Hunter of California and Tom Tancredo of Colorado.

REUTERS DH RN0640