Ron Paul Running for President

It's official: Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, will seek the 2012 Republican presidential nomination, he announced Friday on Good Morning America.

"At this moment I am officially announcing that I am a candidate for president in the Republican primary," Paul said. "Time has come around to the point where the people are agreeing with much of what I've been saying for 30 years, so I think the time is right."

Paul, a mouthpiece for all things small-government, has made the presidential leap of faith twice before: In 1988, as the Libertarian Party nominee, and in 2008, as a dark horse Republican with incomparable niche appeal and formidable fundraising prowess.

(PICTURES: Meet the GOP's 2012 potential presidential candidates)

This time around, voters can expect "serious changes," according to Jesse Benton, Paul's political director. "This campaign will be about a return to constitutional principles, and restoring what made America so great: sound money, a free market, and common sense in American foreign policy."

A speech in Exeter, N.H. at 10 a.m. Friday will kick off the campaign. Standing alongside the congressman will be state Sen. Jim Forsythe, who will chair the New Hampshire campaign, and state Reps. Paul Ingbretson, Jenn Coffey, Cam Dejong, George Lambert, Andrew Manuse, Seth Cohn, Donna Mauro, and Norman Tregenza, who will endorse him.

Experts say that while not yet a top-tier candidate, Paul now poses a more serious threat than ever to both establishment-type conservatives and those seeking tea party sympathy.

Read more: Ron Paul Now Poses a More Serious Threat Than Ever.

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