(FHN) Washington political insiders are scambling to confirm rumors that former first lady Barbara Bush may be slated to replace current VP Dick Cheney in the event Mr. Cheney decides to resign his office for unhealthy reasons. Or to spend more time with his family in an undisclosed location.

The former first lady could not be reached for comment

The former first lady could not be reached for comment but senior government officials close to the White House indicated that the former first lady is amused and flattered by all the recent attention and support she has received with respect to her rumored return to public service. An unnamed spokesperson who knows Mrs Bush told Foghorn News on Tuesday that Mrs Bush is "a very busy lady who enjoys entertaining friends and family; quiet evenings at home baking blueberry muffins for the local orphan asylum; and sipping tea next to a roaring fire while reading passages from the Bible with husband and former president George H.W. Bush."

Mrs Bush also sticks to a vigorous exercise regimen which includes weekend workouts spent heaving rusty whaling harpoons at bales of straw in her back yard in Kennebunkport, Maine.