Free Republic

Sen. John Kerry (news, bio, voting record), D-Mass., a candidate for the Democratic Party presidential nomination, speaks with Benedict College students about rising tuition costs during his campaign visit to Columbia, S.C., Friday Sept. 12, 2003. (AP Photo/Lou Krasky)

Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) said Sunday he is taking the first step towards running for President in 2004, forming a committee to explore a White House bid.An official announcement of his candidacy is 'down the road' some months away, Kerry said.But, he said, I've made a decision to file a committee, I'm going to begin this week to file a committee' to test the waters.'When you really get into the formal stage, which I am now entering, you find out who's prepared to be there, who can raise the money,' Kerry said to Tim Russert on NBC's 'Meet the Press.'