Monday is an early milepost in the 2018 statewide political campaigns. It’s exactly seven weeks until Labor Day, which is recognized as the unofficial launch of the fall campaigns for Pennsylvania offices including governor and lieutenant governor, U.S. Senate and members of Congress.

After Labor Day, it is only another nine weeks until the Nov. 6 election. What seems like distant future will be upon us before we realize it.

For the candidates, now is a season of experimentation and cultivation, of trial and error. They’ll make small-scale appearances and gestures, and make note of how their audiences respond. They’ll meet with contributors and supporters to gain their insight and establish priorities for their political platforms.

One important exercise that’s occurring now: the candidates link up with public figures, both political and nonpolitical, to enhance their marketability to what they believe is their electorate.

A few prime examples of such associations have surfaced in recent days. Among them:

- An announced public appearance planned for Sunday in Pittsburgh will pair John Fetterman, Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, and Democratic socialist U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont. Sanders ran for president in 2016, winning 23 state Democratic Party primaries and caucuses.

- Vice President Mike Pence will headline a July 23 fundraiser in Philadelphia for Lou Barletta, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate. Barletta has badly trailed incumbent Sen. Bob Casey in campaign cash.

- U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly of Butler co-hosted a tel-town hall meeting with Dr. Phillip C. McGraw — TV’s “Dr. Phil” — and his team to discuss the ongoing national opioid epidemic.

- Sometimes an appearance has less than the desired results. Scott Wagner, Republican candidate for governor, is distancing himself and his campaign from a Pike County pastor who gave the invocation at a rally without Wagner’s prior knowledge or approval. Pastor Hyung Jin Sean Moon, a brother of the rally’s host, has been described as an “anti-LGBT cult leader” by the Southern Poverty Law Center, according to news reports. Wagner, a conservative on most issues, has been praised and criticized for his willingness to seek compromise in issues related to LGBT rights.

Consider these next seven weeks the political preseason. It’s the time when the campaigns seek out their own weak spots and find remedies — before an opponent exposes and exploits the flaws later on down the campaign trail.

Seven weeks from now, the political season begins in earnest. By then, the candidates should have their political machinery in prime form — volunteers organized, fundraisers producing cash, an inner circle on message and on point.

To be aware of the process as is unfolds over the next seven weeks between now and Labor Day — that’s the measure of a true political junkie. We’re confident and grateful that Pennsylvania has its share of them.