Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich has taken a small first step toward a presidential run in 2012. Gingrich said Thursday he would run on a campaign of creating more jobs in the U.S., and shrinking the size of the federal government.

Gingrich has launched a Web site called NewtExplore2012. At a press conference at the state Capitol, he rolled out a long list of national issues that he says need rethinking.

He said he knows how to boost employment rates and balance the federal budget. He also said he would pursue different approaches to homeland security that would make Americans dramatically safer.

“We believe it is possible to re-establish American exceptionalism as the core value of this country that has made us so unique and has attracted people from all over the world.”

Gingrich made the announcement after meeting with Governor Nathan Deal at the State Capitol to discuss strengthening the Tenth Amendment. He declined to take questions on his potential presidential run.

Tags: Georgia, Nathan Deal, Newt Gingrich, state Capitol, 2012 presidential race, former House Speaker