Former U.S. Sen. Scott Brown’s announcement Friday that he would not seek the seat vacated by John Kerry after his November loss to Elizabeth Warren surprised and upset Massachusetts Republican leaders. It also set some to thinking outside the box — way outside the box. Their thoughts are now turning to a Sen. Romney — specifically, a Sen. Ann Romney.

Republicans who found it difficult to warm up to a Romney presidency suddenly saw the possibilities the moment his wife took the stage.

The former governor’s main shortcoming was one of messaging. He often appeared stiff and awkward on the stump, and he found it difficult to speak up for himself and his own candidacy.

His wife had no such problems. Ann was Mitt’s not-so-secret weapon.

She instinctively lit up a room the moment she stepped on stage. Furrowed brows were transformed into broad smiles and nods of agreement. And she had no problem dealing with the family “wealth issue.” She let everyone know they started out at the bottom, and everything they accumulated they did on their own.

Add the fact that she has a compelling story to tell — her battle with cancer and multiple sclerosis while raising five rambunctious boys — and that spells winner.

“I’ve had several people call me and ask about Ann Romney,” Ron Kaufman, the former governor’s longtime friend and aide, told The Boston Herald. But he was cautious: “The timing is not great, and I don’t think she sees herself as a candidate.”

Nonetheless, the idea is appealing to other Massachusetts GOP leaders.

“That would be a very interesting thing,” House Minority Leader Bradley Jones told the Herald??. “I would certainly love her to think about something like that.”

Other names thrown out were former Gov. William F. Weld, former Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey and the Romneys’ eldest son, Tagg.

As appealing as those names may be, none have the instant national recognition and almost universal charismatic appeal of an Ann Romney candidacy. I hope she gives the idea the consideration it deserves.

Read more at The Boston Herald.