“I’ve heard of a lot of interest in Walker,” said veteran Republican strategist Charlie Black, who served as chief adviser to Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) during his 2008 presidential bid. Black also predicted that if Walker wins reelection this year he’ll “have a great record not only in Wisconsin but a great electoral record having won three times in fives years in a blue state.”…

“Many are looking at Walker because he has won in a blue state not through accommodation but by promoting and enacting policies consistent with conservative principles,” said Kevin Madden, a former aide to Mitt Romney during his 2012 presidential bid.

Many Republicans insiders expect Washington dysfunction to become at least one theme in the next presidential election, making outsiders a good bet, they say. Govs. Rick Perry, John Kasich and Susana Martinez and former Gov. Jeb Bush have all been floated as possible contenders.

And many in the Republican Party have always believed governors make strong candidates.