A campaign aide to President George W. Bush joined the 2008 Presidential Exploratory Committee of former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson Wednesday.

Thompson announced Darrin Schmitz, president of a Madison-based political consulting and direct mail firm, to be the committee's national political director.

"My job is basically to provide the best advice to the governor as possible," Schmitz said in an interview with The Badger Herald. "I'll be involved with the governor's schedule intimately."

Schmitz served as executive director for President Bush's Wisconsin campaign in 2000 and recently consulted newly elected Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen during his tight race against Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk.

And as deputy campaign manager, he also helped Thompson win re-election for his fourth term as governor in 1998.

Thompson, who spent four years as Bush's Health and Human Services Secretary, formed the exploratory committee through the Federal Elections Commission in December. It is the first step most presidential hopefuls take before announcing their candidacy.

"With each passing day, the committee is growing stronger," Schmitz said, adding that support is gaining momentum. "We're making headway, … and I'm excited about the opportunity to work with Gov. Thompson."

According to a committee spokesperson, Thompson's main concern before announcing a bid is reaching his fiscal goal, which members have declined to disclose.

"He's not going to run in a race he doesn't have a chance to win," spokesperson Tony Jewell said last week. "The race is wide open, … [so the challenge] will be competing for scarce dollars."

According to The Associated Press, Thompson is one of eight Republicans with a registered exploratory committee. Two Republicans — U.S. Senator Sam Brownback, R-Kansas, and John Cox, a Chicago investor — have already announced their official bid for the party's nomination.

More than half a dozen Democrats have also formed exploratory committees recently, including New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, who, if elected, would be the first Hispanic president; U.S. Senator Barack Obama, who would be the first Black president; and U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton, who would be the first female president.

— The Associated Press contributed to this report.