Romney Enters Race, Announces Exploratory Committee

Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney announced Monday afternoon that he will be forming an exploratory committee, the first step in an almost certain 2012 White House bid.

“America has been put on a dangerous course by Washington politicians and it has become worse in the past two years,” Romney said in a video statement. “With able leadership, America’s best days are still ahead.”

In his brief remarks, Romney played up his business credentials and invoked the lagging economy.

“President Obama’s policies have failed,” Romney said. “He and virtually all the people around him have never worked in the real economy. They just don’t know how jobs are created in the private sector.”

Romney made an unsuccessful run for the Republican nomination amid the 2008 campaign, where he was unable to win Iowa or New Hampshire. 

Although not yet an official candidate, Romney has already been the subject of increased scrutiny. In recent months, his opponents have attempted to link the highly controversial health care reform law passed by President Obama to Romney’s attempt to revamp his state’s health care system.