Former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson has usually been quick to quell questions about a potential presidential bid, telling media outlets he can’t simultaneously pursue a presidential nomination and work with Our America, a nonprofit organization he leads.

But during an interview Thursday in Waterloo, Iowa, Johnson was asked when he’d decide if he’d run for president. The libertarian-leaning Republican came close to confirming speculation over his his 2012 plans.

“The whole idea is seeing whether or not what I’m saying is resonating and I’ve been in 22 states now since the first of December and I think things are resonating,” Johnson told The Iowa Independent.

Johnson has spent the week touring Iowa on the RAGBRAI route. Other possible GOP presidential contenders — Tim Pawlenty and Rick Santorum, for example — have also spent time in the state or plan to soon.

“As far as Iowa, obviously it’s the first primary state so Iowans are in tune with the issues of the day so this is important to understand where the Our America initiative and issues of the day resound with Iowans,” Johnson said.