More than a year before the Democratic primary, potential candidates for Thomas P. O'Neill's (D-Cambridge) Eighth Congressional District seat gathered last night at the first campaign event of what observers say will prove to be an exciting, free-for-all election fight.

Although the debate centered on the politicians' stands on the nuclear freeze, the packed room of 150 freeze activists, reporters, and cameramen were there to see who of the more than 26 invited potential candidates would show their faces.

All but one of the seven politicians attending the forum, which was sponsored by state and local Nuclear Freeze activist groups, were Democrats.

Although the election for the seat currently held by Speaker of the House O'Neill is not until 1986, many politicians have been preparing a bid since O'Neill announced last fall he would not seek re-election

The campaign for the seat has drawn attention so soon because of the famous names who represented the Eighth District in past years, John F. Kennedy '40 held the seat before O'Neill, who has held it since 1952.

Because O'Neill has held the seat for 33 years, many local politicians view his retirement as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to move up in state politics. As a result, more than 50 politicians from around the district have begun testing the electoral waters.

"Iam not sure it is ever too early to talk about issues," said one of the top candidates, State Sen. George Bachrach (D-Watertown).

In an interview after the forum, Bachrach said he would not begin active campaigning, except for attending issue forums, until next year.

However, some already have said they are setting up active campaigns, Rep. Thomas Vallely '70 (D-Beacon Hill), another top candidate, said in an interview after the forum he has already set up a campaign office to start his year-long run for congress.

Other candidates have also begun their active campaigning. Carla Johnston, long time freeze activist, had already produced printed campaign literature, which was distributed at the forum.

Vincent McCarthy, finanace manager of Sen. Alan Cranston's (D-Calif.) campaign for President, last year announced his intentions to run.

James Roosevelt Jr. '68, general counsel for the Massachusetts Democratic Party, said last september he expects to run.

Republican

The only Republican at the event, Clark Abt, a local Cambridge politician, who said he was unsure if he would actually run, was also the only speaker to oppose a bilateral, comprehensive, verifiable nuclear freeze.