In true Tea Party style, Donnelly's first words about his possible gubernatorial run came not to the mainstream media but to a conservative website: PolitiChicks.TV.

Donnelly: "I believe that we as Californians can do a heckuva lot better than Jerry Brown or anyone who wants to step into his footsteps."

That was three weeks ago - but word didn't spread until now.  Yesterday, Donnelly said he's formed an exploratory committee to test the waters among Republicans:

Donnelly: "I'm looking to build support - first of all, among the activists and ordinary people and donors, and also I'm looking to see if anyone else is going to get in the race."

He says he's talked to Republicans with "bigger names" - and no one's shown any interest in challenging Democratic Governor Jerry Brown.