Ben Carson forms 2016 exploratory committee

Retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson took another step toward a Republican presidential run Tuesday, registering a formal exploratory committee with the Federal Election Commission.

"For the next few months, Dr. Carson looks forward to listening to the American people to gauge support for a presidential candidacy," said Terry Giles, Carson's prospective campaign manager.

Carson appeared to do well during last week's Conservative Political Action Conference. He finished fourth in the CPAC straw poll, just behind Ted Cruz and ahead of Jeb Bush. (Rand Paul won the straw poll, followed by Scott Walker.)

While Carson has not made it official he will run, Giles sounds enthusiastic.

“In every aspect of Dr. Carson’s life, he has exemplified true leadership," the prospective campaign manager said. "Overcoming dire poverty in his youth to become head of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Carson is uniquely situated to understand the needs and hopes of all Americans."

The Carson exploratory committee also has a new web site.