WASHINGTON -- Mitt Romney is taking the first step toward a full-blown presidential campaign, announcing yesterday the formation of an exploratory committee that is likely the precursor to his second White House run.

Romney's announcement was made after an unannounced visit to the University of New Hampshire, where he says he spoke with students about the economy.

"From my vantage point in business and in government, I have become convinced that America has been put on a dangerous course by Washington politicians, and it has become even worse during the last two years. But I am also convinced that with able leadership, America's best days are still ahead," Romney said.

Romney also tested a theme for his would-be campaign, saying: "I believe in America." It's a subtle response to Barack Obama's 2008 campaign message of, "Change you can believe in." It was also the subtitle of his revised 2010 book, "No Apology."

Unmentioned is what is likely to be his Achilles' heel as he appeals to a Republican electorate driven by distaste with the expansive federal government -- the health care plan he signed into law as Massachusetts' governor, five years ago this week.

"When I served as governor of Massachusetts, I used the skills I had learned in 25 years in business to streamline state government, balance the budget every year and restore a $2 billion rainy-day fund," he says of his one term.

Democrats have gleefully pointed to the fact that Romney's plan, like the one Obama signed, included a mandate that all of the Bay State's citizens have health insurance.

Before the anniversary of Romney signing the law, Democrats in New Hampshire plan a news conference to "thank Romney for providing the critical momentum necessary to get President Obama's vision of health reform through Congress and signed into law."

Romney joins former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty as the two most prominent Republicans to form exploratory committees. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is also raising money under federal limits as he considers a White House run.

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