The Atlantic Wire – Texas Rep. Ron Paul announced he’s forming a exploratory committee, a major step toward running for the 2012 Republican nomination for president. The filing with the Federal Election Commission will allow him to raise and spend campaign cash before officially jumping in the race; Paul said it also will allow him to join the first presidential debate on May 5. Five other Republicans have taken this step. Paul says he’ll officially declare whether he’s running in the next couple weeks.