The race for president starts earlier than ever when Iowans caucus on Jan. 3. Days later, on Jan. 8, New Hampshire holds the nation’s first primary.

We’ve collected profiles of the top contenders. We’re publishing one a day in the print edition, but online readers don’t have to wait. We’ve put them all here.

And there is a method to our madness. The profiles will be published alphabetically and alternating by party. Here’s the list:

Dec. 19: Rudy Giuliani

Dec. 20: Joe Biden

Dec. 21: Mike Huckabee

Dec. 22: Hillary Rodham Clinton

Dec. 23: John McCain

Dec. 24: John Edwards

Dec. 25: Ron Paul

Dec. 26: Dennis Kucinich

Dec. 27: Mitt Romney

Dec. 28: Barack Obama

Dec. 29: Fred Thompson

Dec. 30: Bill Richardson