It's Official: Mitt Romney Will Enter the 2012 Presidential Race Next Week

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney plans to announce next week that he's running for the GOP presidential nomination.

Romney on Thursday said he formally would enter the race during an appearance Thursday at a New Hampshire farm that is a must-visit for would-be presidential candidates. Romney, who unsuccessfully sought the GOP nomination four years ago, has been lining up financial and political support ahead of the anticipated run, and his announcement was expected.

He already has formed a presidential exploratory committee and has been raising cash.

By announcing in New Hampshire, Romney is signaling that he will make the state a key piece of his political strategy. He came in second place to Sen. John McCain there in 2008.