Gov. Hickenlooper inches toward presidential bid

Colorado’s Democratic governor is taking his most concrete step toward running for president in 2020.

John Hickenlooper on Monday formed a federal campaign committee that can distribute donations to candidates. Creating a so-called Leadership PAC is a critical step for politicians thinking of running nationwide.

Hickenlooper’s name has long been floated as a possible candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination. He’s a former geologist and brewpub owner who was a popular two-term governor of swing state Colorado.

Hickenlooper has visited the early voting states of Iowa and New Hampshire as his second term has wound down. On Monday he told Colorado Public Radio he’ll make a decision on his presidential run after his final term in Denver concludes this year.