Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) will announce a presidential exploratory committee tomorrow, making him the fifth Republican to make the first step toward a presidential run, The Hill reports.
Paul's announcement would set up a mini-battle in the party's libertarian wing: "Former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson (R), who is expected to compete with Paul for the libertarian vote, announced last week that he is officially running for president. Paul, however, is the more well-known candidate in the field and could overshadow Johnson."
National Journal: "This would seem to be an ideal year for Paul: Since the last election,
the Republican Party has moved much closer to his view on deficit
reduction, which made him an early tea party favorite. All of the
party's top-tier presidential hopefuls are focusing on lowering debt,
government spending, and tax rates, issues Paul has long advocated."