Collins 'exploring' run for RNC chair

(CNN) - Former Republican National Committee Political Director Gentry Collins took a step closer to throwing his hat into the ring in the race to become Chairman of the Republican National Committee.

"Yesterday, I filed paperwork and took the first step in exploring a run for Chairman of the Republican National Committee," Collins said in a statement announcing his candidacy.

"I have been encouraged by many friends, both on the committee and from outside the committee, to take this step as the RNC prepares to elect a Chairman in January."

Collins statement on his candidacy comes just a week after he quit the RNC with a biting letter to current chairman Michael Steele in which Collins complained in detail about the party committee's troubled financial situation.