Former New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani has taken a step closer to becoming an official Republican presidential contender.
He filed a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission establishing a committee to explore a presidential bid, a move that allows him to raise money, travel and hire staff.
"We still have to formally announce it and do a few more things, but this is about as close as you're gonna get," said Mr Giuliani.
"We did everything you have to do, I guess, legally to do it, then you still have to make a formal announcement."
He said the move put him in the same position as his Republican rivals Arizona Senator John McCain and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney.
"If I were going to bet like you bet on the Super Bowl . . . I would bet that we are going ahead," he told reporters in New York. He declined to give a formal announcement date but said it would be "sooner rather than later."
The move could calm growing doubts among Republicans that the former mayor, who was acclaimed for his leadership after September 11, is serious about a White House run in 2008.
Although Mr Giuliani leads eight other Republicans in many national polls, there has been growing speculation he might not run.
He faces an uphill battle winning over conservatives who wield considerable influence in Republican primaries, however, because of his support for gay rights and abortion rights.
Mr Giuliani became one of the party's most popular figures for his tough leadership after the September 11 attacks. He has been loyal to President Bush, backing his plan to send more troops to Iraq.
He has earned millions of dollars as a consultant and motivational speaker since leaving office.