RIVENDELL, EREGION - In a midday press conference at his campaign headquarters in the House of Elrond, popular ranger Aragorn (Dunadan - AR) took the first step toward a run for the throne of Gondor today by convening an exploratory committee to examine the logistics of a kingship bid.

Flanked by top advisor Gandalf the Grey (Istari - VA) and longtime companion Arwen Undomiel (Eldar - RI), Aragorn said that the committee would consist of nine beings. "The time has come for me to take my service to Middle-earth to the next level," the ranger said, "and I trust that this committee--more a fellowship than a committee, really--will help me make the right decision."

In addition to Aragorn himself and Gandalf, the committee is to consist of representatives from across Middle-earth, including Legolas son of Thranduil (Eldar - MI), Gimli son of Gloin (Khazad - ER), Frodo Baggins (Hobbit - HO), Samwise Gamgee (Hobbit - HO), Meriadoc Brandybuck (Hobbit - BU), Peregrin Took (Hobbit - TU), and Boromir son of Denethor (Dunadan - GO). The committee is expected to embark on an extensive fact-finding tour.

Despite an obvious effort to please all his possible constituents, Aragorn's candidates are already causing some controversy.

"Aragorn claims to be a man of the people, yet with the exception of Gamgee this entire committee is made up of unrepentant aristocrats," said Grima Wormtongue, advisor to Theoden son of Thengel (Rohirrim - RO). "Only Saruman the Wise looks out for your best interests, my lord."

Meanwhile, the selection of Boromir, intended to please key Gondorian constituents, has raised many eyebrows in light of Boromir's recent apology for comments made at a birthday party for his aging father, Denethor the Steward of Minas Tirith. The comments, which implied that Middle-earth would be better off if Denethor had been crowned King fifty-five years ago, deeply offended some Aragorn supporters.

"Boromir has apologized, and rightly so," said Aragorn in response to his critics. "It is time to move on. With the help of Boromir and the entire committee, I am sure we can win one for the Strider."