Several sources are reporting that former State Senator and State GOP Chairman Ken Miller has announced that he is running for Governor of Montana in 2012.

Miller joins State Senator Corey Stapleton who earlier announced his candidacy.

Miller has some ties to former Alaska Governor and Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin. According to a July news report from KPAX in Missoula:

Ken and Peggy Miller of Laurel announced that Palin is scheduled to speak in Missoula on Sunday, September 12 at 3:30 at the Hilton Garden Inn.

If Miller obtains Palin’s endorsement that could push him to the front of the GOP field – and maybe into the Governor’s seat in 2012.

Although I don’t think Palin is a viable Presidential candidate, she has amassed quite a fundraising juggernaut and her endorsement would be gold to ultra-conservative candidates, like Miller.