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WASHINGTON Is Rand Paul going to officially announce his presidential bid on April 7? Thats what The New York Times is reporting. On that early spring day, Senator Paul is likely to declare his candidacy in his home state of Kentucky, then jet off on a round of campaigning in the usual suspect states of Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina, according to the Times. At this point, only objections from family members could halt the process.

Mr. Paul ... will take the next month to continue talking with members of his family about whether they are comfortable moving forward with the exhausting and, at times, agonizing rigors of a modern presidential campaign, writes the Timess Jeremy W. Peters.

Should we believe this story? After all, its based on anonymous associates of the senator, which seems a bit vague.

But wed judge it true, at least for the moment. Paul himself often talks about how agonizing a presidential run can be, so that idea could have come straight from his own mouth. The news leak, with its brave pronouncement of an actual date, seems semi-official. Its as if the Paul campaign said, get the Times to run this trial balloon up the flagpole and see if Jeb Bush salutes.

Plus, April 7 makes sense. As the story notes, its the beginning of a Federal Election Commission reporting period, so the bookkeeping is easier and theres a full quarter of a year for fundraising before first results are made public.

But why announce the announcement? Why such a drawn-out process? Its as if Paul is performing the Dance of the Seven Filibusters, as he coyly reveals his plans.

All the other likely candidates are doing the same thing, so were not picking on him here.

First, the announcement announcements (Hillary to make up mind in seven months! Jeb will set a date to set another date in the spring!) get news coverage. Its no accident Rand Pauls April 7 plan became public Wednesday, as Mr. Bush is planning a big foreign policy speech in Chicago.

Do you think Paul was trying to step on Bushs news coverage here? Duh. Its kind of a virtual photobomb.

Second, they convey progress without any legal or financial obligation. Once you really, truly declare that as of now youre running for president, certain FEC obligations kick in. You have to stop playing so closely with your super political action committee.

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Did Rand Paul just pre-announce presidential announcement plans? (+video)