The church then studied expanding the school into a full university with an exploratory committee formed in 1986.

Candidates use an exploratory committee as not only a transitional phase for their bookkeeping but as an extra claim on media attention.

During the 1996 election he initially formed a presidential exploratory committee, but declined to formally enter the race.

He would not announce his candidacy, but referred to his presidential exploratory committee, which he stated had yielded positive prospects.

The activities of exploratory committees may include polling, travel, and telephone calls to determine whether the individual should become a candidate.