Story highlights Webb dropped out of the race for the Democratic nomination last month

Webb has always been confident in his success as an independent president candidate

(CNN) Jim Webb and his close advisers have started to look closely at ballot access dates for the former Virginia senator's possible independent presidential run, according to aides and advisers, and feels "confident" that if he were to run, he would be successful.

Webb dropped out of the race for the Democratic nomination last month, announcing to a room full of journalists that he would be exploring an independent bid.

Like he did during his run for the Democratic nomination, the former Virginia senator is keeping a close circle of advisers that includes his wife, Hong Le Webb.

"He has tasked us to do a feasibility study on how to get on enough state ballots for a mathematical chance at 270 electoral votes," spokesman Craig Crawford told CNN on Thursday. "That's in progress."

The feasibility study, aides said, will be a deciding factor in whether he jumps in, but Webb is feeling good about the fact that many -- but not all -- filing deadlines aren't until late spring and summer.

Read More