Florida Sen. George LeMieux is setting up a political action committee -- Protect America's Future -- and signaling he's likely going to pursue elective office after his temporary gig is up next year.

"The goal is to use it as a vehicle to promote the ideas he believes in: Reducing the debt and promoting security and democracy through the world," deputy chief of staff Vivian Myrtetus said in confirming the news to the Buzz.

LeMieux could use the warchest to travel around and speak on the issues (boosting his name ID) and to contribute to political campaigns (cultivating key relationships). How about Charlie Crist? That's a possibility, Myrtetus said, adding it was too soon to know specifically. PACs can give $5,000 to a candidate.

Word on Capitol Hill is that LeMieux has already begun telling lobbyists and the move has stoked speculation about his political ambitions. One theory is that Crist's decision to appoint LeMieux to fill out the final 16 months of Mel Martinez's term was part of a grand scheme for a LeMieux-Bill Nelson showdown in 2012.