US trade site Editor & Publisher has compiled a list of likely finalists, including the New York Times' multimedia journalist Nicholas Kristof, who is tipped for the commentary prize.
New Orleans news site Times-Picayune is also thought to be a likely winner in the breaking news category; disruption during Hurricane Katrina in August meant the title could only publish online for several days.
This is the first year that the Pulitzer prizes have accepted entries published online as well as in print for the majority of its categories.
Following a study conducted in late 2004, the Pulitzer award body decided to allow entries published online as well as in print, although only two categories - breaking news reporting and breaking news photography - accept entries published entirely online.
"The board believes it has taken a significant step in recognition of the widening role of online journalism at newspapers," said Sig Gissler, Pulitzer Prize administrator.
"The board will continue to watch the evolution of this medium."
The 2006 winners will be announced on 17 April.
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