Does Paul Ryan Want to Jump in the Race?

Maybe, but I doubt it would be a good idea:

Wisconsin congressman Paul Ryan is strongly considering a run for president. Ryan, who has been quietly meeting with political strategists to discuss a bid over the past three months, is on vacation in Colorado discussing a prospective run with his family. Ryan’s concerns about the effects of a presidential campaign – and perhaps a presidency – on his family have been his primary focus as he thinks through his political future.

“He’s coming around,” says a Republican source close to Ryan, who has been urging the 41-year-old to run.

“With Paul, it’s more about obligation than opportunity,” says another Wisconsin Republican. “He is determined to have the 2012 election be about the big things. If that means he has to run, he’s open to it.”

Ryan hinted at his thinking during a candid interview Friday with Charlie Sykes, an influential talk radio host in Milwaukee, telling Sykes that he was unsatisfied with the current crop of Republican candidates.

All Ryan has to do is look at the impact Rick Perry has already made on the race and I think he'll realize that a run this year is not in the cards. However, at 41 he's got lots of time for a run of his own, and he could be a very attractive VP candidate.

My fear is if someone like Ryan or Sarah Palin get in the race now they'll just split the conservative vote in the primaries and open the door for Mitt Romney.  And then we get four more years of Obama.