Ben Carson Considering A Run For 2016 Presidential Election

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Governor Martin O'Malley isn't the only Marylander looking at a 2016 presidential run. Former Johns Hopkins head of neurosurgery Ben Carson says it's a strong likelihood he'll be in the race.

Political reporter Pat Warren reports he says some conditions must be met.

"I will tell you that I'm not a politician and I don't believe in political correctness so I may say something that offends someone," Carson said.

Politican no, president---maybe. The retired Johns Hopkins neurosurgeon and author of Gifted Hands has had a toe in the 2016 presidential pool since last year.

"We would start by doing things we all agree need to be done. That's how you build cohesiveness and strength. Then you knock the easy things out and that helps establish the relationships," he said.

Carson may take a crack at that; he said as much on a radio talk show this week.

"I think the chances are reasonably good of that happening.

"Ben Carson is a tremendous human being. He's had a career of saving lives; he's a wonderful surgeon," said UMBC Public Policy Department Chairman Don Norris.

But Norris sees Carson as too far to the right to get a Republican nomination.

"He'll be a very, very long shot. Even experienced politicians making the kind of comments he makes will be out of the race very, very quickly," Norris said.

About getting into the race, Carson says the outcome of the November race will help him decide.

Carson's supporters are confident he'll make a good showing.

Carson says he'll make a final decision by May of next year.

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