Dr. Ben Carson eyes presidential nomination with exploratory committee

WASHINGTON, March 3 (UPI) -- Conservative physician and author Ben Carson launched a presidential exploratory committee Tuesday, inching closer to a possible run for the Republican nomination.

Carson, 63, is one of the first possible GOP candidates to form a formal committee devoted to raising money for a possible bid. Carson is a retired neurosurgeon and author of several books, including his autobiography Gifted Hands.

In a YouTube announcement, Carson said if he runs for president, he will focus on "healing and strengthening" the country.

"All of us are frustrated with the way Washington has let us down. The career politicians simply don't understand the disappointment, pain and anger in real America," he said.