Ben Carson, the retired neurosurgeon and popular conservative writer and campaigner, has announced the formation of a political action committee to explore a possible 2016 presidential bid,
The Washington Times reported.
Carson told the Times on Friday that he had selected Houston businessman, Terry Giles, to be his 2016 campaign chairman if he decides to run and that he has signed off on the set up of a PAC called One Nation that would support his bid.
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"Now is the time to start all of the appropriate exploration and investigation, and put down the structure that is necessary," Carson said.
Carson stopped short of commenting on the likelihood that he will run but told the Times, "I would say we are definitely a step or two closer than we were a year ago."
He said one of the factors affecting his decision would be the results of the 2014 elections and whether the GOP will be successful in taking control of the Senate. His PAC, he said, will be supporting candidates in line with his political philosophy.
"Obviously we are very interested in what happens in November," he said, according to the Times. "And if the people also continue to show strong desire for me to run, obviously that would be an important factor too."
He added, "In the meantime, we will focus our attention on helping those candidates who understand the change we need in our nation, and how to lead toward the healing of our nation."
Carson's announcement came after two days of meetings in Palm Beach, Fla. with dozens of prominent strategists, supporters, and potential fundraisers to discuss the "ramifications of a run and make sure all of that is fully understood."
For months Carson has been hinting that he was
seriously considering a bid, but has said he would only do so if he felt "called by God."
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