McDonnell in 2012? Part 1 of 831.

There are more signs that presidential buzz is going to follow Gov.-elect Bob McDonnell, probably right up until the nomination process gets going in 2012. Nate Silver, the statistician-pollster who founded the Web site fivethirtyeight.com was on Keith Olbermann's show on MSNBC last night, assessing the chances of a Sarah Palin presidential run in four years.

But Silver suggested repeatedly that the GOP may find better luck with a candidate who doesn't feel like a has-been to voters. Someone like ... Bob McDonnell, said Silver.

"If you had someone who was a fresher face, someone like a Bob McDonnell in Virginia, maybe, if he were ready to run in 2012, that might give Palin some worry," Silver told the show's substitute host Lawrence O'Donnell.

Later, he said, "If they're smart, they will push someone like a [John] Thune or a McDonnell. I mean, these people haven't necessarily been in the national spotlight. They could have some learning curve, like Palin did. But I'd be looking for some outside-the-box alternatives.

Is this a serious notion? Certainly there are no signs at the moment. McDonnell has described the idea as "a pipe dream down the road." But the fact that his name -- probably unknown to national audiences just a couple of weeks ago -- has entered the lists of those regularly mentioned for 2012 is a sign of just how far and fast his star his risen.

Watch the appearance here. McDonnell's name comes up at about the 3:16 and 4:40 marks.