Washington ? For governors thinking about running for the White House in 2008, a dinner with President Bush provides a glimpse of what the future could hold.

Even for those who dismiss — at least publicly — such talk.

“Presidential talk is way too speculative and way too early,” said Republican Mitt Romney of Massachusetts. “Now is the time for policy and progress. Not presidential ambitions.”

Presidential pageantry was on display Sunday night as Bush and first lady Laura Bush welcomed the governors, who are in town for winter meetings.

Speculation already has started about the next White House race, less than four months after the election that narrowly sent Republican Bush to a second term.

Pennsylvania Democrat Ed Rendell, former head of the Democratic National Committee, said he and others cannot really pursue a White House bid if they want to be re-elected.

Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius also was included in speculation about possible Democratic nominees.

Some say contenders must start planning now.

“A year-and-a-half from now will be a year too late,” said T.J. Rooney, chairman of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. “People will be called earlier than they ever have been, people will be signed up earlier than they ever have been.”