I’ve received questions in the last two days about what “exploring a run for Governor” means. Another version of the question is, “What is the difference between exploring and campaigning?” And buried in there is the question. “Am I committed or just testing the waters?” This exploration is not about building passion or personal commitment – that’s already there. Exploration is all about doing good homework. This is important. It would be naïve to believe that being successful in this endeavor is going to take anything but lots of hard work and support. Where is that support going to come from? It must come from people, all types, who see both the problems and the solutions in a similar way that I do. How do I figure out if there‘s enough support? How do people figure out if they want to support me? By talking to people, sharing ideas and gauging the level of resonance and support that exists for who I am and what I think needs to be done. This website is one of the ways we’re doing that. I’ve chosen to put my fundamental message first to a group of family, friends and colleagues and whoever you all might be willing to share it with. My positions will be informed, shaped and shared using this—and other—tools.

We think that signing up 1,000 people on the website is a good start – although not sufficient by itself. If we can achieve this in a reasonable time though, it forms the cornerstone of a credible foundation for a viable campaign. Stay tuned – there is much more to say about this.