Sean Hannity just had Newt Gingrich on his radio show. He asked Gingrich if the former Speaker will consider running for president in 2012.

“Yes,” Gingrich replied.

It’s not shocking news by any stretch. But it was a refreshingly honest answer. There was no “that’s the last thing on my mind right now” dance. He obviously wants to run and has been laying the groundwork.

I think conservatives are more liable to look toward new blood next time — someone who has been on the national scene, who is working behind the scenes, or at home in his state, or as a “Young Turk” on the Hill in the future. But who knows.

Newt, by the way, also denied reports he is running for the RNC chair job.

UPDATE: I’m told I caught a very recent re-run of an interview I had (obviously) previously missed.