"Here's a name I've not heard linked with presidential aspirations before: former Idaho governor and senator Dirk Kempthorne.

Republicans familiar with his activities say that Kempthorne has begun to reach out to allies gauge their opinion about whether he should run for President in 2012.

Greg Casey, the CEO of the Business and Industry Political Action Committee, has known Kempthorne for 30 years . If Kempthorne were talking to anyone, it would be Casey, who wouldn't quite bite when I asked him whether his friend had national ambitions.

"This is an immensely capable guy. I've never seen anyone who has connected with people then.He's always been able to work in a bipartisan fashion," Casey said. "I do know that Dirk is very pleased and happy to be looking in the private sector for a while. I think Dirk right now is enjoying his time with his family."

Is he thinking about a presidential run?

"... if he isn't, then someone will think about it for him. People just gravitate to him," Casey said."

Get the Story:
Marc Ambinder: Dirk Kempthorne In 2012? (The Atlantic 1/23)