Moving closer to a possible presidential campaign, former Sen. Gary Hart of Colorado said Friday that he intends to begin raising money and hiring a staff to more systematically explore entering the Democratic race.

"I think we will probably begin some preliminary fund-raising very soon, just to be able to test the waters," Hart told The Times Friday.

...

Sources said some of those attending the meetings left with the impression that Hart already had decided to enter the crowded Democratic field.

One step closer...

U.S. and Pakistani officials have narrowed their search for Osama bin Laden to a caravan near the border of southwestern Pakistan, ABCNEWS has learned.

The CIA and Pakistani army are electronically tracking the large caravan of people on foot and horseback through the rugged mountain area of Pakistan between the borders with Iran and Afghanistan, Pakistani officials told ABCNEWS.

Bin Laden may be traveling with the caravan and may be on foot.

Courtesy of Liese by way of John-Paul.