MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Former Governor Tommy Thompson is edging closer to a possible run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008.

Thompson is also a former secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services. He's formed an exploratory committee looking ahead to a possible campaign for the White House.

Thompson spokesman Tony Jewell says the committee delivered paperwork to the Federal Election Commission earlier this week as part of the process.

Jewell says that allows the governor to begin raising money and hire a staff, should he choose to run. He says Thompson won't make any decision until sometime next year.

Jewell says Thompson, who turned 65 last month, was meeting with people Friday in Iowa, where precinct caucuses early in the election year traditionally launch the presidential nominating season.

Jewell also noted that Thompson has hired Republican activist Steve Grubbs of Davenport to help with his Iowa campaign efforts.

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