Romney Enters Presidential Waters

ABC News’ Tahman Bradley Reports: Even before he finished his last day as governor with a ceremonial "long walk" from the Massachusetts state house, Mitt Romney took a big step toward seeking the 2008 Republican nomination for president. Romney filed papers with the Federal Elections Commission, Wednesday, establishing a presidential exploratory committee, a move that enables him to organize and raise money before he formally launches a 2008 presidential campaign, which he is expected to do in the coming months.

Shortly after today’s filing with the FEC the Romney exploratory committee launched www.mittromney.com.

In a statement released less than an hour before Romney was set to finish his final gubernatorial task, Romney said "I look forward to continuing to talk with the American people to determine the best way we can meet a new generation of challenges."

For sometime now, the one-term governor has been trying to wedge himself to the right of possible 2008 GOP primary opponents Sen. John McCain and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani on issues such as abortion and gay rights, but the governor has fallen under heavy criticism from Republicans and Democrats alike for his apparent shift to more conservative views in recent years.

Citing instances in 1994 in which Romney, then a candidate for the U.S. Senate, affirmed his support of a woman’s right to an abortion, the Democratic National Committee took a swipe at Romney today saying "he has routinely changed his position on everything from abortion to taxes."

Romney gained national recognition last April when he worked with a Democratic-controlled state legislature to sign into law legislation making Massachusetts the first state to provide near universal healthcare for all its citizens. And Romney is sure to use that accomplishment to his advantage both in a Republican nomination fight and in a potential general election battle against Sen. Hillary Clinton in November 2008, should he and she make it that far. Clinton led an unsuccessful effort during her husband’s administration to create universal healthcare at the federal level.

If Romney runs and wins the Republican nomination he would be the first Mormon candidate to appear on a national ticket for the nation’s highest office.