Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., a potential 2016 presidential contender, plans to announce that he’s starting a Political Action Committee called “American Leadership Now,” according to a Republican source.
The PAC, which will be aimed at supporting Republican candidates who share King’s vision for the party, is a sign the often outspoken congressman may be seriously considering a White House run. King will be traveling the country getting to know other Republicans with the ultimate goal of “making the party stronger,” according to the source.
King will announce the PAC on Monday during a stop in the early-voting-state of New Hampshire -- where the congressman is headlining a fundraising event hosted by Republican State Representatives.
In July, King said he is considering a run for president. Not afraid to break with his own party, King has supported military intervention in Syria, stiffer gun control laws, and the recent budget compromise, and made headlines last December when he lambasted fellow House Republicans for holding up emergency funding legislation for the victims of Hurricane Sandy before the legislation ultimately passed.
The moderate Republican has said he is concerned about his party becoming “too isolationist and extreme,” a swipe at the Tea Party.
King – who hails from liberal Long Island -- would face an uphill battle in a presidential primary in terms of fundraising and exposure with other potential candidates like New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wisc., soaking up much of the national media attention right now.
Still King seems to be serious about exploring the options. Monday will mark his 5th trip to New Hampshire this year. If King does decide to make a run for the White House, he would be legally barred from using the money raised by his PAC for his campaign.