Gary Johnson for president in 2012? Listen for an announcement in February

Gary Johnson, former New Mexico governor, is hinting he will announce a 2012 presidential bid early next year — in February, to be exact.

Although Johnson refused to directly discuss his widely anticipated run, he did suggest in a meeting with The Daily Caller that should he run, he would announce his candidacy in February.

Johnson, a libertarian-leaning Republican who chairs the Our America initiative, declined to speak further about any presidential ambitions when pressed. The former governor cited fears of jeopardizing the 501C(4) status of his organization.

However, when asked during the meeting when someone like himself, with little national recognition or known ambitions, would have to announce their intention to run for president, he said February 2011.