RNC Chief Explores Idea of 2012 Paul Ryan Run

This Paul-Ryan-for-president business is apparently gaining traction. The head of the Republican National Committee has begun investigating the possibility, writes Jon Ward at the Huffington Post. The reason? RNC chief Reince Priebus is a longtime friend and political ally of Ryan's—they both hail from Wisconsin—and Priebus has been seeking legal advice on whether he would need to step down if Ryan runs to avoid a conflict of interest.

Ryan has flatly stated he has zero interest in running in 2012 and would prefer to focus on pushing through his budget blueprint. Still, he's a conservative rising star, and some big names—including Charles Krauthammer here—have been talking up the possibility of drafting him. "The pressure on him to run is clearly increasing," writes Ward, "as GOP leaders and the activist base remain unsatisfied with the current crop of candidates." (More Paul Ryan stories.)