JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — As he “explores” whether or not to enter the Republican primary for governor, Eric Greitens – a political outsider – reported a campaign contribution that his supporters hope could boost his conservative credentials.

On Monday, Greitens’ campaign reported a $5,000 check from the USA First Political Action Committee, an organization with close ties to Dr. Ben Carson, the Republican medical professor at Johns Hopkins University who is running for president.

The PAC, according to its website, was established by Carson to work in “support of political candidates who embody the virtues that made the United States of America a world leader. Dr. Carson’s faith in God, and emphasis on education, family, personal integrity, fiscal responsibility, and a limited government ‘…of the people, by the people, and for the people’ are our guiding principles.”

With the check from Carson, and another from a retired couple from New Jersey, Greitens has raised nearly $500,000 before even announcing his candidacy.

Greitens was joined in the exploring field by St. Louis businessman John Brunner, R-St. Louis. Brunner has begun to pull in support from a number of donors to former state Auditor Tom Schweich, a candidate for governor, himself, before killing himself in February.

Former U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway, R-St. Louis, is the leading  Republican who has announced in the race to challenge the likely Democratic nominee, Attorney General Chris Koster.